from the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development |
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Visiting farms and ranches to experience agriculture and celebrate harvests is an age-old tradition known as “agritourism.” Although agritourism appears to be growing in many parts of the U.S., confusion about agritourism limits the ability of researchers and agricultural interests to fully understand this sector’s economic importance and to support its performance over time. A universal understanding of agritourism is needed for clear communication, reliable and consistent measurement, informed policies, and programs that support farms and ranches and their communities.
In this From the Vault JAFSCD article, "Agritourism: Toward a conceptual framework for industry analysis" authors Lisa Chase (the corresponding author) and colleagues explore how consumer demand for local food and experiences on farms and ranches has led to rapid increases in agritourism and has also led to a myriad of understandings of the concept of agritourism and estimates of its value to farms and ranches, as well as to communities. The authors present a conceptual framework that incorporates core and peripheral tiers, as well as five categories of activities. These include direct sales, education, hospitality, outdoor recreation, and entertainment. The goal of this viewpoint is to stimulate commentary and debate that furthers our collective understanding of agritourism as it becomes an increasingly important industry in the U.S. KEY POINTS -
Core activities of agritourism take place on a working farm or ranch and have deep connections to agricultural production and/or the marketing of a farm’s products. These include direct farm sales of agricultural products sold on the farm through farm stands and U-pick.
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Also included in core activities are experiences that take place on the farm and are deeply connected to agricultural production, such as farm tours, farm-to-table meals, overnight farm stays, and agricultural festivals on farms.
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In contrast, peripheral activities lack a deep connection to agricultural production, even though they may take place on a working farm or ranch. For example, the farm may serve as the venue (or setting) for events, such as weddings, concerts, hiking, and biking.
- Another type of peripheral activity is one that is closely connected to agriculture but does not take place on a working farm or ranch, such as farmers markets and agricultural fairs.
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In the 2002 Census of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) expanded the collection of data on income from farm-related sources to include, for the first time, income from “recreational services.” The 2007 and 2012 censuses adopted revised terminology, “agri-tourism and recreational services,” that was accompanied by a wider range of example activities, “such as farm or winery tours, hay rides, hunting, fishing, etc.” Nevertheless, the census definition of agritourism remains narrowly constructed in comparison to other definitions used in agritourism literature and academic studies.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH
The conceptual framework presented in this article is meant to encourage discussion, debate, and deliberation as we continue to improve our understanding of the agritourism industry. Is there general agreement throughout the U.S. on the core activities that constitute agritourism? Should peripheral activities be included in agritourism or be given alternative labels, such as “countryside tourism”? How is authenticity understood with respect to agritourism, and what is the role of travel and tourism? These questions, and more, require careful consideration. The hope is that this viewpoint will stimulate discourse and progress toward the ultimate goal of a common understanding of agritourism in the U.S.
SHARE ON YOUR SOCIALS What does agritourism mean to you? The authors of "Agritourism: Toward a conceptual framework" discuss ways to define what constitutes agritourism in this
@JAFSCD article from the vault. #Agritourism #Agrotourism #Agritainment #CulinaryTourism #FarmStays #FarmTourism Read the JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2018.081.016 |
Image above: "Five Categories of Agritourism including Direct Sales, Education, Hospitality, Outdoor Recreation, and Entertainment, and Examples of Core vs. Peripheral Activities," from the JAFSCD article. |
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In an expansion beyond the U.S. context, R. David Lamie (Clemson U), Lisa Chase (U of Vermont), Emilio Chiodo (U of Teramo), Lori Dickes (Clemson U), Sharon Flanigan (The James Hutton Institute), Claudia Schmidt (Penn State U), and Thomas Streifeneder (Eurac Research) published a follow-up article, "
Agritourism around the globe: Definitions, authenticity, and potential controversy" in 2021. Building greatly on this work, the University of Vermont hosted the International Workshop on Agritourism in 2022; the conference proceedings are available online. |
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| In this popular and free webinar series from our sister program NAFSN, panelists share connections and insights to help attendees identify possibilities for their careers. The spring 2024 series highlights job creators across the food systems profession. There is still time to join us for the next Finding Your Future in Food Systems webinar
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