(Le Mars) — More and more farmers are turning to a new way of adding value to their
products, by inviting consumers directly to the farm. It’s called agri-tourism,
and it is a growing industry. Whether it is with apple orchids, Christmas trees,
Bed and Breakfasts, wineries, or, as we see this time of year, pick your own
pumpkin, the number of Iowa farms involved with agri-tourism is growing. Alyssa
Dick serves as the Iowa State University Extension Ag Tourism Program Specialist,
and she says the agri-tourism business is gaining in popularity as a means for
farmers to generate additional income, as well as a way to educate consumers about
agriculture and share the rural lifestyle with visitors. Dick says most farms
that welcome the public choose the autumn and harvest season.
Dick says consumers enjoy visiting the farms in order to have the opportunity to
share the experience and create special memories with their families. In
addition, she says people want to know more about the origin of their food.
Dick says the revenue generated from farmers hosting visitors has grown
significantly over the years.
According to agriculture census statistics, there were 275 Iowa farms that were
open to the public in 2012, and Dick says that number has increased since the 2007
ag census, and she says there are even more agri-tourism farms today.
People can go online to www.visitiowafarms.org. There, you will find a
listing of many types and variety of farms that are open to the public.
