1. 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

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

3. 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

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

5. 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?”

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

7. 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

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

13. How Do Folks Find You?

14. Community Event or Farmers Market

15. 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

16. 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Long, extended vacations have been replaced by short, intensely active vacations.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.

17. 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!)

18. 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

19. 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

20. How Do You Get Folks to Visit?

21. 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

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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:

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

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

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

28. 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).
Second, an interactive website, DiscoverLewisCounty.com, that provides current information for potential “agritourists” to include Lewis County in their travel plans.

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