1. Agritourism Promotion Opportunity Presented by: Jessica Nixon, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

2. Defining Agritourism Agritourism: The practice of touring or visiting agricultural areas to see working farms and often to participate in activities Applies to any food and non-food agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operations

3. Agritourism Examples Tours for families, school and groups Day camps and experiential activities PYO/CYO and CSA Agritainment Overnight lodging On farm stand or retail space Special events, educational activities and the list goes on…

4. Agritourism in Maine Census Year Income related to Ag Tourism & Rec. # of Operators 2012 $ 1,803,000270 2007 $ 1,012,000112 2002 $ 433,00073 Source: USDA - NASS via http://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/

5. 2012 Agritourism by Industry Segment

6. Benefits of Agritourism Additional source of income Builds awareness of your products and farm Helps to educate the public about farming Brings economic opportunities to the surrounding area by attracting the public Can reach multiple generations and customer demographics

7. Agritourism Costs Really, its up to the Farmer or Owner –Farmer sets their cost limits –Farmer sets the agenda –Farmer determines the admission costs –Farmer evaluates what they can afford for promoting

8. Consider Risk Create a risk management plan Consult legal guidance Review local and state laws Review area of risk Obtain appropriate insurance

9. LD1605 “Warning Under Maine law, there is no liability for injury to a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury results from the inherent risks of agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment and animals, as well as the potential for injury if you act in a negligent manner. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity.”

10. Opportunities Industry Partnerships Hotels, Motels, Travel Related Schools/Youth Organizations Sponsorships Statewide Tourism

11. What Visitors Expect 1)An authentic farm experience 2)An educational experience 3)Excellent customer service 4)Adequate public facilities 5)A safe and accessible environment

12. Promoting your Agritourism Activities Social Media Advertising Direct Marketing Free Online Tools Press & Travel Agents

13. Free Online Promotions Agritourism World - http://www.agritourismworld.com/ Get Real Get Maine (MDACF) – http://www.getrealmaine.com/ Maine Today – http://mainetoday.com/events-calendar/ MPBN - http://events.publicbroadcasting.net/mpbc/ events.eventsmain

14. Notify the Press & Travel Industry Press Release - Sell the story - Who, what, when, where and why - Provide contact information - Welcome community involvement

15. Once they are there – now what? Meet Customer Expectations Proper Training Deliver on Promises Engage the customers Take notes on the overall experience

16. Knowing your customers Connecting through Agritourism Keep communications open Provide a way to give feedback Modifying your plan and strategy

17. Any Questions? Email: Jessica.L.Nixon@maine.gov Phone: 207-287-3494 Cell: 207-215-7388