Agritourism has emerged as a viable financial option for many farms and ranches. Since the publication of the first edition of Agritourism and Nature Tourism, the landscape has changed as counties and local governments incorporate agritourism into their local plans. This new edition builds on the concepts of the first, and adds updated information on regulations, risk management, and new marketing trends.
What’s new in the 2nd edition?
• Coverage of recent changes to the county, state and federal policies that impact agritourism
• An expanded marketing chapter including information on social media marketing
• An extensive listing of California agricultural marketing organizations
• An expanded chapter on risk management
• New agritourism contacts and links
As with the first edition you’ll find easy-to-use worksheets and activities that will walk you through the steps needed to determine if agritourism is for you. You’ll create business and marketing plans that can make your operation a success.
Chapters include:
Consider the Possibilities
Evaluating Your Resources: Is Tourism for You?
Creating Your Business Plan
Understanding and Navigating Regulations
Developing Your Risk Management Plan
Designing Your Marketing Strategy
Resources for Success
From farm stays and bed and breakfasts to U-pick orchards and farm stands, cooking classes to wine and olive oil tastings, the ever popular corn maze to school trips—agritourism is maturing and growing. The possibilities are still as endless as your imagination.
Workshop attendees raved about the first edition as a resource for tourist business planning. One participant from a workshop in Paso Robles said, "Chapter Two on 'Assessing Your Potential' really helped my husband and me refine our vision and get started. It made us aware of ALL the components that must be addressed." Another participant from a workshop in Reedley says, "I used the information in the manual to prepare my expansion and my plan to meet with county staff, before I submit an application."
Looking for a UC agritourism workshop near you? Check out the small farm program calendar for workshops and other helpful resources for small farmers and ranchers.