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Exploring the latest trends in agritourism

It is easy to assume that something as timeless as a visit to the farm would be immune from trends. Still, as with any other leisure activity, consumer tastes are constantly changing and evolving. Here are some current trends shaping the agritourism industry and how to incorporate them at your venue.

Authenticity

For many, rural life is becoming increasingly removed from their daily routine. Visitors crave a genuine experience that helps them connect with nature and learn more about traditional practices and rural living. One way to incorporate this desire for immersive and authentic experiences is by providing workshops and demonstrations on traditional farm activities and cultural or traditional activities unique to your farm or region. These could include instructional classes on traditional food-making techniques or hosting events showcasing the traditional handicrafts, cuisines, music, and clothing of the settlers or indigenous peoples of the area. Some examples include:

• Cheesemaking
• Breadmaking
• Canning/pickling
• Pottery
• Soapmaking
• Corn husk or rag dolls
• Cultural dances or songs
• Basket weaving
• Woodworking

Authenticity does not have to be limited to historical traditions. Farm stays, for instance, offer an excellent way to introduce your guests to the daily activities that make up life on a modern farm and allow them to immerse themselves in your world. Depending on your location and farm, these activities can vary wildly. Here are some examples:

• Feeding animals
• Driving cattle
• Shearing sheep
• Planting and/or harvesting crops
• Gathering eggs
• Grooming horses

Sustainability

Sustainability has become increasingly important in consumer's lives, influencing everything from shopping to leisure activities. This provides the opportunity to introduce your guests to the eco-friendly practices used at your farm and to highlight their importance for sustainability and conserving the land for future generations. Consider offering guided tours of eco-friendly facilities or workshops on sustainable farm techniques. You can also provide your guests with skills to take home to their kitchens and gardens by offering workshops on subjects such as:

• Composting
• Organic gardening
• Seed saving
• Mushroom foraging

Health and Well-being

The farm can provide guests a place to relax and recharge in nature, away from the constant connectedness of their day-to-day lives. You can help your guests slow down and recharge by offering unique activities that allow your guests to experience the healing benefits of nature. Some examples include:

• Guided hiking or fishing excursions on your property
• Yoga or meditation classes (bonus if you include goats!)
• Star gazing/astronomy
• Bird watching
• Forest bathing

For farms that offer group activities, consider hosting corporate retreats or other team-building activities.

Culinary experiences

Food-centric activities have long been a cornerstone of the agritourism venue. While most guests are familiar with U-pick orchards and apple cider donuts at the fall festival, we urge you to branch out and try some more unique options that align with these current trends. For instance, allow your guests to actively participate in farm life by:

• Harvesting and canning jam
• Hosting seasonal cooking classes
• Hosting wine-pairing events

Or have a farm table dinner highlighting your organic produce, maybe following the dinner with an evening around the campfire (with s'mores, of course) telling stories or staring at the stars.

As agritourism providers, you have the unique opportunity to create unforgettable experiences that connect guests to their past, their environment, and even themselves in ways they can get at very few other places. By incorporating these trends, you can set your venue apart and create lasting, transformational experiences for your guests. We hope this article helps you in this endeavor.

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