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According to a New York Times article by Matt Villano, 4-5% of all farmers are engaged in agritourism, nearly double that of 10 years ago. He cites articles and studies to claim that agritourism is nothing new. But the economic climate surrounding farming has changed drastically. Read his article, then listen to our story "Boosting Agritourism" in the central Sierra.
Agritourism - How Simple Language Becomes Important
From the quoted NYTimes article cited:
"Matthew Rembe, executive director of the Los Poblanos Inn and Cultural Center in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, N.M., learned these lessons long ago. Los Poblanos started as a small ranch, but over the years has grown to incorporate off-farm activities including an inn, an art gallery, a produce home-delivery service and a variety of seasonal celebrations throughout the year."
One has to watch that agritourism doesn't become a means to undermine AG Preserves, existing, properly restrictive AG zoning laws, Williamson Act uses, etc. In my region it is becoming a subterfuge for development minded farmers and property rights activists on their way to taking "the last crop". The word agritourism can become an effective euphemism for development of agriculturally-zoned land.
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