Agritourism and Farm Tours

Agritourism associations, resources and networks, and other related organizations can provide benefits for farmers and ranchers wishing to diversify their operations. Such associations often provide information and resources, and can prove helpful in different ways. TAMU provides a listing of some of the agritourism and related associations, networks, and websites specifically developed for agritourism businesses in order to directly meet identified needs related to marketing their businesses. In addition, there are governmental, non-governmental, and university organizations dedicated to assisting in the development and marketing of agritourism.

The VTRC provides tools, resources, and research findings for farmers and agricultural service providers. We have agritourism "how-to" guides and research findings as well as links to state-wide and region-wide agritourism associations.

This webinar, organized by the University of Vermont and FAO North America with support from the Office of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, discusses Agritourism’s contributions to food security and sovereignty, farm viability, rural economic development, and agricultural literacy. Panelists include USDA NIFA, National Agricultural Law Center in Arkansas, and the American Indian Alaska and Native Tourism Association (AIANTA).

Defines agritourism; identifies and profiles agritourism ideas for a farm or business; and links to operations and related resources. Also includes resources for Best Management Practices in Agritourism.

A guide on how to start "an agritourism enterprise, what visitors expect, customer relations, income streams, liability, and marketing." Includes an Agritourism Enterprise Checklist and other useful resources.

A comprehensive list of steps to successfully plan, develop, schedule, conduct and conclude a tour or your farm or ranch.  

This educational training program includes of workshops, webinars, and web-based materials that focus on "minimizing farm safety risks; managing liability; mitigating financial risk through enterprise budgeting; and improving marketing strategies." Also included are budgeting tools, checklists, fact sheets, training modules, and videos.

This manual identifies and describes publications, websites, marketing options, resource lists, funding programs, data and more related to many aspects of farm diversification.

Launched with a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant, Farm Stay U.S.A. offers guides for farmers and travelers to learn more about farm stays. Use the site to find a farm stay or become a member and market your farm.

A series of 11 webinars for farm and ranch stay operators. Topics include but are not limited to: setup, insurance, hospitality, reservations, and more.