Presented to the Agricultural Council of Maine June 30, 2015 Compiled by Richard J. Brzozowski...
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Transcript of Presented to the Agricultural Council of Maine June 30, 2015 Compiled by Richard J. Brzozowski...
Presented to the Agricultural Council of Maine
June 30, 2015
Compiled by Richard J. Brzozowski
Agritourism – An Option for Maine Farmers
Agritourism is the act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural or agri-business operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation. from: http://www.trailsrus.com
What is Agritourism?
• Why would a farm consider agritourism?• What are the benefits to agritourism as an
enterprise?• What are the drawbacks to having an
agritourism enterprise?
Let’s Talk . . .
• Increases options for farm diversification• Improves awareness of local agricultural
production• Helps develop new agricultural market niches• Provides farm families with on-site employment • Strengthens sustainability of small farms• Viable community economic development strategy
From: Agri-Tourism in Maine: Opportunities, Challenges and Linkages, Allen, Gabe & McConnon
Why is Agri-Tourism Important?
• To generate additional farm profits – 55%• To respond to a need/opportunity in the market – 41%• Primary source of income for the farm – 40%• To increase and/or diversify my market – 37%• To capitalize on a special interest or hobby – 29%• To provide a new and interesting challenge – 19%• To generate revenues during the off-season – 15%• To provide employment for family members – 14%From: Agri-Tourism in Maine: Opportunities, Challenges and Linkages, Allen, Gabe & McConnon
Primary Reasons for Engaging in Agritourism
Maine Maple Sunday Open Farm Day
Arts & Crafts Music Festivals Bird watching
Children’s Playground or Area Cooking & Food Demonstrations
Corn Maze Corporate Retreats Cross Country Skiing
Display Gardens/Flower or Horticultural Demonstration
Educational Workshops Exotic Animals Farm
Bed & Breakfast Haunted House or Haunted Hayrides
History and Heritage Tours Kids Parties Petting Zoo
Pick Your Own Private Parties Pumpkin Patch
Riding Lessons Riding Stable Snowmobiling
Special Occasions Tours Wagon/Carriage/Sleigh Rides Weddings Winery Wine Tastings
From: www.getrealmaine.com
A Variety of Opportunities to Involve Customers
• Supplementary Enterprise– Supports other activities on the farm
• Complementary Enterprise– Share equal footing with other activities
• Primary Enterprise– Dominant activity
Agritourism Enterprise Types
• Agritourism activities are found on all sizes and types of farms in Maine
• The importance of agritourism to farm revenue varies inversely to farm size
• Agritourism activities generate $28.3 million in sales:– 43.1% of agritourism farm sales and 5.1% of total farm
sales– 1,927 full-time and part-time jobs– $12.5 million in indirect economic impact– $40.8 million in total economic impact
From: Agri-Tourism in Maine: Opportunities, Challenges and Linkages, University of Maine, Allen, Gabe & McConnon
Agritourism in Maine
• Finding adequate time• Insurance availability or cost• Finding qualified workers
From: Agri-Tourism in Maine: Opportunities, Challenges and Linkages, University of Maine, Allen, Gabe & McConnon
Key obstacles to agritourism include:
• More than 20% of farms in New Jersey offer Agritourism
• New York farm income from Agritourism was at $18 million in 2007
• New Hampshire Agritourism income is over twice that on Maine
• Connecticut Agritourism income is over eight times that of Maine
Agritourism is Growing in Maine & Beyond
• The Economic Contribution of Agri-Tourism to the Maine Economy, University of Maine researchers Thomas G. Allen, Todd M. Gabe and James C. McConnon (2006)
• Agri-Tourism in Maine: Opportunities, Challenges and Linkages (2007)
• Extension Training for Agritourism Development http://agritourism.rutgers.edu/training/
• Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) http://www.agmrc.org
Useful Resources
Questions or Comments
University of Maine Cooperative Extension207-951-7155 • [email protected]
http://www.extension.umaine.eduThe University of Maine is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.