Growing Agritourism from the Ground Up Women in Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Portland OR November 30-December 2, 2016 with Sheila Gray WSU Lewis County Extension

Today’s Session Share the story of Lewis County Tourism/Agritourism Challenges Funding sources Where Lewis County is now

What’s in a Name? Agritourism, Ag Tourism, Agricultural Tourism Nature Tourism, Nature-based Tourism Wildlife Tourism, Eco- tourism, Geo Tourism Rural Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Cultural Tourism Experiential Tourism

What does “Your” County have to offer What does “Your” County have to offer? Gorgeous scenery and farmland Think “outside” Diverse agri-related operations

Promotion of AgriTourism In tourism promotion, as in life, things are easier with the help of partners and friends. Ask Yourselves, “Who is Missing? “How do we get them involved?”

Challenges? Permitting / Development code / Zoning issues. Duplication of efforts? Partnering? Transportation and traffic on rural roads

Funding Methods Tourism funds? Cost-share? Other sources Whose going to support this venture? Through what means? -Potentially through grants. Tourism funds? Cost-share? Other sources

A Unique Funding Source Lodging tax funds What are they? How are they accessed?

Types of AgriTourism Attractions Artisan & farmstead cheeses Local grass-fed meat and seafood Organic milk, ice cream, yogurt, butter Christmas tree farms

What is the Goal? Increase visibility to outside visitors Highlight our/your region as a Rural Food & Event Hub A place to take the family

Community Partners Local farmers market boards Local Farm Bureau and other Ag Associations Your local extension office Local County IT (computer department) State or County tourism office

How Do Folks Find You?

Community Event or Farmers Market

What We are Discovering About Our “Tourists” Current trends for specialty foods are common spending patterns by “foodies” Purchasing trends going upscale for over one-third of US consumers Farmers markets gain as consumers look to support local producers

Recent Travel Trends to Keep in Mind Long, extended vacations have been replaced by short, intensely active vacations. Attractive options: Generally within 2- 3 hour drive time, making short, extended weekends and multiple trips possible. Most ranches and farms located near other outdoor recreation amenities and businesses.

Motivators for “Agri-tourists” Most common reasons for visiting a Farm/Ranch: Enjoy Rural Scenery Visit Family and Friends Learn About Where Food Comes From Watch and Participate in Farm Activities Purchase Agricultural Products/Pick Produce Spend the Night (Farm Stays!)

Take a Look at your Local Agritourism Assets… Multiple farmers’ markets Edible festivals and events (Blueberry Festival, Cheese Days, etc.) Local wineries, many with gardens Organically certified farms growing 130 specialty products Artisan cheese producers, on farm sites Farms set up for overnighting visitors

Potential Agritourism activities Direct sales: farm stands/U-pick Corn maze Tours: school groups, seasonally Experiences: hands-on/demos, tastings Facilities: weddings, farm stays, harvest dinners

How Do You Get Folks to Visit?

What’s Next for Lewis County AgriTourism Through the partnership of WSU Lewis County Extension, the Lewis County Farm Bureau, Lewis County IT, and DiscoverLewisCounty.com A ‘Fresh from the Farm’ Guide Traditional hardcopy Interactive online webpage Guide includes value-added and restaurants

Agritourism in Lewis County, Washington In Spring 2015, the Lewis County Lodging Tax Advisory Council (LTAC) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for projects specifically targeting the promotion of agritourism on a countywide basis.

It’s About Partnerships WSU Extension &Department (LC-IT) submitted proposals targeting the development of agritourism. LC-IT received funding. WSULC Extension and LC-IT then combined efforts to reach the greater community to promote small farm success and agritourism.

Where do LTAC funds come from? They are a consumer tax on lodging charges for periods of less than 30 consecutive days for hotels, motels, rooming houses, private campgrounds, RV parks, and similar facilities. The rate is 2% of the total lodging fees. Source: www.leg.wa.gov/jlarc/reports

Lewis County Communities Apple Harvest Festival (8 years) Lewis County Communities Blueberry Festival (10 years)

LTAC Funded Projects and Events Total funding awarded: $302, 000 (2015)

Current Projects Lewis County ‘Fresh from the Farm’ Guide Application (online and hard copy formats) Hardcopy On line Interactive Guide

Promoting Agritourism in Lewis County Tourism and agritourism are marketing elements that require constant attention. First was creation of a mechanism to promote awareness of agritourism in Lewis County. This was done initially through the use of social media, Facebook (currently 13,570 “likes” since May 2015). https://www.facebook.com/discoverlewiscounty/ Second, an interactive website, DiscoverLewisCounty.com, that provides current information for potential “agritourists” to include Lewis County in their travel plans.

Questions Thanks for coming! Questions? Survey at lewis.wsu.edu