By angie
•
April 23, 2026
Most people think they know what agritourism is. A farm. A pumpkin patch. Maybe a seasonal festival. And while those are agritourism… they’re only a small part of it. The bigger truth? A lot of destinations—and businesses—are already doing agritourism. They just don’t realize it yet. Let’s Start With the Definition At its core, agritourism is simple: Agritourism is an agricultural enterprise attracting visitors to a farm or ranch to experience a connection with agriculture production and/or processing through entertainment, education, and/or the purchase of farm products. That definition—commonly used by NAFDMA International Agritourism Association—is intentionally broad. Because agritourism isn’t about where you are. It’s about how people experience agriculture. So… How Do You Know If You’re Agritourism? Here’s the easiest way to think about it: If a visitor can engage with agriculture at your business or in your destination— you’re in the agritourism space. That engagement might look like: Having fun Learning something Eating or drinking something Buying something connected to agriculture If one (or more) of those is happening… you’re not adjacent to agritourism. You’re in it. All the Ways You Might Already Be Doing Agritourism You’re Agritourism If You… …Invite people onto a farm U-pick orchards Animal encounters Farm tours …Host events tied to agriculture Harvest festivals Bloom seasons (lavender, sunflowers, tulips) Pollinator or nature-based events …Serve food or drinks connected to agriculture Farm-to-table meals Wineries, cideries, breweries Tastings and culinary experiences …Sell products grown or made from agriculture Farm markets Value-added goods (jams, baked goods, honey) Branded farm products …Create experiences designed for fun on agricultural land Corn mazes Hayrides Playgrounds and attractions …Teach people something about agriculture Workshops Classes Demonstrations …Offer a place to stay connected to agriculture Farm stays Glamping Cabins on agricultural land …Connect multiple experiences across a destination Farm trails Local food routes Partnerships between farms, restaurants, and lodging If you checked even one of these… You’re not “considering” agritourism. You’re already doing it. The Real Question Isn’t If—It’s How Well Most destinations don’t need to “add” agritourism. They need to: Recognize what they already have Connect the pieces Design the experience more intentionally Because the real opportunity is in building an ecosystem where: Visitors stay longer Spend more And leave with a stronger connection Final Thought Agritourism isn’t a label you earn. It’s a lens you apply. And once you start looking through it, you realize: You were closer to it than you thought.
