Other Publications

Taking the First Step: Farm and Ranch Alternative Enterprise and Agritourism Resource Evaluation Guide (PDF)
Texas A&M

This publication was prepared in response to requests from local advisors, farmers, and ranchers for a simple guide to the first step in identifying alternative income-producing agricultural enterprises and agritourism opportunities. The requests stipulated that the guide be useful in developing business and marketing plans to help entrepreneurs reduce risk through diversification of farm and ranch enterprises.

 

Agritourism: Cultivating Tourists on the Farm (PDF)
Washington State University Extension

This two-part publication begins with an introduction to agritourism. This includes defining agritourism, tourism trends, government support for agritourism, and economic impacts. The second part covers beginning and operating an agritourism enterprise. This includes assessing the market, social skills, location, aesthetics, insurance and safety, government regulations, labor management, financial management, and marketing and advertising strategies. Additional references are listed at the end.

 

Agritourism in Focus: A Guide for Tennessee Farmers (PDF)
University of Tennessee Extension Service

This 134-page detailed publication includes an introduction to agritourism, business planning, marketing, customer service, risk assessment and management, safety considerations, regulations, resources, and a personal evaluation.

 

Checklist for Starting a Value-Added Agriculture Enterprise (PDF)
NC State University

This checklist covers the areas to consider when researching the possibility of undertaking a value-added agricultural enterprise.

 

Starting or Diversifying an Agricultural Business (PDF)
Pennsylvania State University

When considering starting a new business, you should consider what you enjoy doing, researching all of the aspects of the business, how to obtain the funding, the time requirements involved, and researching available markets. This publications takes you through the steps you should take when starting or diversifying your business.

 

Alternative Enterprises and Agritourism Resources (PDF)
Natural Resources Conservation Service

A lengthy listing of available resources discussing alternative enterprises and agritourism businesses and how to start, manage, and operate them. Includes articles entitled "Alternative Enterprises: For Higher Profits, Healthier Lands," "Agritourism Alternative Enterprises, Conservation, Sustainability, and Partnerships for Farms, Ranches and Rural Communities," "Choosing Your Enterprise: A Checklist," "Tips for Staying On Track and Getting Started," and a Small Farm Resource Guide..

 

Considering an Agritainment Enterprise in Tennessee? (PDF)
The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

This publication provides general considerations of the agritainment industry, marketing, financial and general management issues. Examples of agritainment enterprises include hay rides, nature trails, orchard tours, roadside stands, private parties, farm vacations, petting zoos and more.

 

Targeting School Groups for Agritainment Enterprises (PDF)
The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Summary of a schoolteacher survey in Tennessee. This information could be used to help business owners determine pricing, marketing, scheduling of school trips, and important field trip components as well as marketing agritainment to schoolteachers.

 

Nature-Based Tourism & Agritourism Trends: Unlimited Opportunities (PDF)
National Alternative Enterprises and Agritourism Leader, USDA/NRCS

This publication explains what agritourism is, what type of income opportunities exist in agritourism, tips for developing an agritourism business, a listing of places to get assistance, and a listing of funding sources.

 

How to Run a Farm Tour (PDF)
Ontario Farm Animal Council

This publication defines farm tours and gives useful advice on how to plan a tour, such as knowing your audience and costs to consider. Information is also given on how to set up a farm display.

 

Agri-tourism: A New Agricultural Business Enterprise (PDF)
LSU AgCenter Research & Extension

A brief overview of different types of agritourism begins this publication, with a quick history of agritourism from the 1800's. A list of suggested steps for planning your agri-tourism business and considerations before beginning an agritourism business is given. Additional references are listed at the end.

 

Resources for Agritourism Development (PDF)
Agricultural Marketing Resource Center

This publication is a compilation of checklists for those involved in agritourism enterprises and those interested in beginning agritourism operations. It provides an overview of strategies for developing successful agritourism projects, information about zoning and health regulations, an introduction to liability issues, gives examples of successful agritourism businesses, and describes resources available to those interested in developing an agritourism business.

 

Agricultural Diversification Through Agritourism (PDF)
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

Arkansas had 268 agritourism operations in 2007. This data is presented to show the amount of revenue generated, the business structure of these operations, the amount of acreage involved, and the number based on primary farm production. This publication also gives and introduction to agritourism and why farmers engage in agritourism.

 

Food Safety at Farmers Markets and Agritourism Venues (PDF)
University of California-Davis: Small Farm Center

Food safety is an important issue in agritourism operations and farmers markets. This publication covers the basics of food safety practices.

 

Consumer Demand for Agricultural and On-Farm Nature Tourism (PDF)
UC Small Farm Center Research Brief

A survey of residents in two counties in California was used to assess their level of participation in agricultural and nature tourism, identify their preferences for agritourism experiences, asses their spending on-farm, and uncover consumer habits and values regarding food and agriculture. The results of this survey are presented.