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: 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 SundayOpen Farm Day Arts & CraftsMusic Festivals Bird watching Children’s Playground or Area Cooking & Food Demonstrations Corn Maze Corporate RetreatsCross 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 WineryWine Tastings From: 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 Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) Useful Resources

Questions or Comments University of Maine Cooperative Extension The University of Maine is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.