Oregon State University Extension Agritourism, https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/agricultural-tourism
Agricultural tourism online course: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/agricultural-tourism-online-course
An Initial Economic Impact Estimate of Agritourism in Oregon's Willamette Valley The full report of the economic impact estimates of agritourism in the Willamette Valley. Published February 2024. Executive Summary 1-page sheet here.
Adding Agritourism: Developing Your Plan & Working with Your County Agritourism is a type of farm-direct marketing. It allows you to increase income by giving visitors direct sales of products, education, entertainment, lodging and recreational activities. First and most important: You must have a ...
Is Starting a Farm Stand Right for You? - OSU Extension
Oregon Agritourism Limited Liability Signs fact sheet
Marketing Factsheets
Online Marketing for Agritourism Businesses: E-Newsletters - OSU Extension fact sheet
Online Marketing for Agritourism Businesses: Google Business Profile - OSU Extension fact sheet
Online Marketing for Agritourism Businesses: Facebook - OSU Extension fact sheet
Online Marketing for Agritourism Businesses: Instagram - OSU Extension fact sheet
Online Marketing for Agritourism Businesses: Website - OSU Extension fact sheet
Incorporating Online Sales Into Your Agritourism Business - OSU Extension fact sheet
Oregon Law Factsheets
Oregon Law: Agritourism, Commercial Events or Activities
Oregon Law: Wine, Cider and Farm Brewery Business
Oregon Agritourism Handbook, published online by Travel Oregon
Fact Sheets
Much information on the Internet advises agritourism businesses about the ins and outs of the field. Below is a summary and synthesis of information from existing resources. If you would like to obtain the originals, links are provided at the end.
Around the country, many farm and ranches are diversifying their product base and including value-added endeavors like agritourism to enhance profitability. According to the American Farm Bureau, agritourism is, “an enterprise at a working farm, ranch or agriculture plant conducted for the enjoyment of visitors that generates income for the owner.”
Agritourism has benefits for both the farmer/rancher and the consumer. In addition to serving as an additional source of income, agritourism can benefit farmers/ranchers by:
Agritourism is not for all farms and ranches. Many farmers and ranchers who embark upon agritourism projects don’t achieve the level of success they anticipated. Others have thrived as tourism operators. Many interviewees in a study conducted by Rutgers University described negative aspects as well as positive ones. Part of running an agritourism business is putting yourself, your family and your farm “on display.” Successful farmers and ranchers must occasionally deal with difficult and demanding customers. Before you decide to embark on an agritourism venture, ask yourself:
The people that choose to visit farms are often seeking “authentic” experiences. Many times these people are not directly involved in farming or ranching, but are interested in learning about it. Your customer could be:
There are many types of agritourism. The most popular agritourism activities include:
Your product needs to address a demand in the tourism industry that is not satisfied elsewhere. There are many things you can do to make your product stand out from the pack. These include making sure your product is:
Agritourism is a way to add value to your farm/ranch without adding acreage. Not all properties have the right mix of natural and physical amenities to take advantage of the benefits of agritourism. Your product and what you do with it will depend in part on the landscape and natural resource endowment of your farm/ranch. Evaluate factors such as:
You may want to consider the following issues when designing your marketing strategy: