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Local Initiatives Projects...
Farm to SchoolA brief history of school lunch programs involving the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Agriculturer.Food Manufacturers in Northwest OhioA list of companies in our own backyard that produce items you see on your grocer's shelf every week. Northwest Ohio Farmers MarketsThe advantages of buying produce and other goods at farmers markets, a list Northwest Ohio farmers markets, and links to other farmers market resources. AgritourismA discussion of agricultural tourism, its potential as another revenue stream for farmers, and guidance on starting an agritourism venture. Farm to ChefThe Northwest Ohio Fresh Network is a free direct-marketing program for buying and selling local fruits, vegetables, and other locally made products to chefs throughout the food service industry while building long-term business relationships.
Agritourism
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Agritourism is when the public visits a working farm, ranch, winery or any other type of agricultural operation for enjoyment, education, outdoor activities, shopping or dining. You experience agritourism when you go to a corn maze, watch cider being pressed, pick your own apples, and take the kids to pick out their own pumpkin or shop at a farm stand. All these are agritourism ideas that bring extra money to the farmer without going elsewhere to sell. Simply put, agricultural tourism is a value-added marketing opportunity for those involved in agricultural production, and provides an entertainment or educational opportunity associated with sales or show of agriculture products.
Agricultural tourism helps maintain the connection between where and how food is produced and our urban citizens. In 1930, one farmer produced enough food to feed mainly just his family, or about 10 people. Today, one farm supports 130 people. Nearly one-third of all crops grown in Ohio are consumed in other countries, yet research shows us that Ohio citizens prefer to buy locally and buy Ohio-grown foods for its freshness, perceived higher quality and out of loyalty to support the local economy. As production efficiencies have increased, the need for a close connection with a farm has decreased, and more people have chosen urban lifestyles, or have followed paths to where jobs exist. As Ohio continues on its transformation from an automotive industry-based economy to a more high-tech, diverse economy, maintaining our state’s agricultural sector becomes even more important. Educating consumers on the importance of supporting local farms and the recreational opportunities available at agricultural tourism operations will help support Ohio family farms by increasing the number of people who visit and purchase food products or agri-entertainment services.
As farmers feel the pressure of urban sprawl and skyrocketing land value, it is important to develop new ways of staying in business as a family farmer and to continue supplying safe, reliable and wholesome food. Adding agricultural tourism aspects to their existing production farms is a positive way to keep farmers farming.
When it comes to what you want to do, you are limited only by your imagination. While every idea sounds great, remember to discuss every idea with the farm family and workers to see if the idea is feasible.
Below are only a few ideas:
Agricultural zoning is an important part of the local zoning mix as it provides the community with balance. Agricultural zoning designates some portion of the land to farming and some of its related activities. The definition of farming generally includes a parcel of land that is of minimum acreage and used for the production of plants or animals for use by humans. This allows, but is not limited to sod crops, grains and feed crops, dairy animals and products, livestock, bees, fur animals, trees and forest products, all fruits, nuts and berries, vegetables and nursery products.
In most agriculturally zoned areas, take into fact that farms will have sheds, garages and barns. It is also known that farms spray, plant, harvest, and raise livestock, all part of acceptable farm practices.
However, there are a number of practices that are often crucial to the farm’s survival that fall under conditions that are prohibited or are subject to limitations or require special permissions. These agricultural tourism activities allow the general public onto the farm through such means as roadside stands or U-pick operations. Local zoning rules also often state that farmers need to apply for variances for special use permits to expand their business with new buildings or agricultural-related activities. This becomes time consuming, costly and often the efforts to expand are abandoned or unsuccessful. When the land is kept under agricultural zoning, such permits may not be needed as these activities are permitted under law. As such, the definition of farming needs to be expanded to include "the direct sale of such goods to consumers on the farm’s location and farm related-activities."
Agricultural tourism represents both an economic development opportunity as well as an opportunity to increase the prominence of Ohio agriculture. Farm-based recreation and tourism can increase farm incomes and rural economic activity, and at the same time generate exposure for Ohio's agricultural industry. Opportunities exist to tie agricultural tourism promotions to general tourism promotions within the state. Both entities can work together to see that Ohio is well traveled by tourists all year long, which will help Ohio stay vibrant and financially healthy along with the farmers.
The number one requirement for a successful agritourism venue is an abundance of energy. A willingness to think unconventionally may be equally important. Whatever you do, do it with a flair for showmanship. Let your creative side come out. Almost any farm anywhere can be changed into an agritourism venue if enough thought, ingenuity, determination and capital are applied. Too much focus on traditional individualism and suspicion of change may work against success in entertainment farming. A willingness to make the leap into providing what the public truly wants and is willing to pay for is the way to success. Just as the railroads of the 19th century needed to start thinking of themselves as being in the transportation business (instead of the railroad business) in order to compete successfully in the 20th century, so the farms of the 20th century must begin thinking of themselves as being in the land management business rather than the farming business, in order to successfully attain farm family goals and dreams.
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Go Direct - The Ohio State University website for Direct Marketing and Tourism Development
Entertainment Farming and Agri-Tourism* - An ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service publication
Liability for Visitors to Farm Property - A agricultural law fact sheet from OSU OhioLine
NAFDMA - The Networking Association for Farm Direct Marketing and Agritourism
Alternate Enterprises and Agritourism - Innovative on-farm or on-ranch venture information from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Agricultural Tourism: Emerging Opportunity - By Desmond Jolly, Small Farm News, Summer 1999
Successful Agricultural Tourism Venues Span State - By Susan McCue, Small Farm News, Summer 1999
Direct Marketing Today: Challenges and Opportunities - from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)