WHAT IS AGRITOURISM

Simply stated, Agritourism is the merging of two key industries Agriculture and Tourism - or "Agritourism". It is when farmers open their farm gates and land to visitors through a tourism-related agricultural experience, service or product that connects with people, places or produce on a farm. 

Examples of Agritourism experience might include:

• Farm tours & demonstrations
• Farm-to-fork or paddock-to-plate cooking classes
• Pick your own produce experiences
• Behind the scene tours
• Experiential stays (B&B, camping etc.) which includes a connection to farm
• On-farm dining, cultural or educational experiences
• On-farm events (weddings, conferences, etc.)
• On-farm retail outlets

Agritourism and farm tourism are distinct concepts. For an experience to qualify as agritourism, it must take place on the farm and involve interaction with either the farmers themselves or the core agricultural products that define the farm's purpose.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Demand for Agritourism is expected to reach 18.6 billion by 2030 at around 5% per annum growth and is recognised as an important growth industry for Australia's regional and rural economy over the next decade.

Developed to diversify income streams for agribusinesses, demand for Agritourism has since rapidly evolved into a platform for farmers to share their passions, farming practices, and land stewardship. It also fosters valuable social connections for rural and regional areas within communities and across industries. As per the National Agritourism Strategy Framework (NASF), Agritourism offers significant advantages across economic, environmental, and social aspects:

• ECONOMIC: Diversifies farm income, especially during natural disasters, by introducing new revenue streams. It reduces distribution costs through direct sales, enhances profit margins via on-farm processing, improves property value through infrastructure upgrades, and can replace other sources of income.

• ENVIRONMENTAL: Aligns with improved land management practices, including soil health restoration, carbon emission reduction, native species replanting, and adopting regenerative farming for a more sustainable future.

• SOCIAL & COMMUNITY: Strengthens connections by providing employment opportunities for family members, reducing isolation through tourist interactions, fostering local community engagement, and promoting the value of the farming lifestyle. Agritourism also helps bridge the gap between farmers and non-farmers, enhancing public understanding of agriculture.