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Nelson Pade 2007 Agri-Tourism
Nelson Pade 2007 Agri-Tourism
Abstract
Agri-tourism is an expanding sector of the agriculture market, one that aqua-
ponic and hydroponic farmers can use to increase product recognition and profits.
Increasingly, tourists, school groups and the general public want to experience rural
life, meet and interact with individuals involved in agriculture and learn more about
how and where their food is grown. Agri-tourism can include educational tours, picnic
and camping sites on farms, farm produce and meat sales, farmers’ markets, u-pick
farms, farm festivals and even agriculture-related theme parks. Increased profits and
product awareness are the primary benefits for unique agricultural enterprises, like
aquaponics or hydroponics, to engage in agri-tourism.
INTRODUCTION
An aquaponic or hydroponic operation has several great advantages in the agri-
tourism market: the technology is unique, naturally simple and high-tech all at the same
time. Drawing on people’s curiosity, an aquaponic or hydroponic grower can offer tours
to a variety of people and groups. School children of any age can learn about biology,
horticulture and many other disciplines of science, all in a setting where the technology is
implemented to grow food and earn a profit. Home gardeners, garden clubs, business
groups, restaurateurs and traditional farmers are all candidates for tours. Once on-site, a
tour guest will often become a loyal customer returning again and again to purchase your
produce and/or fish.
Tours of an aquaponic or hydroponic facility provide guests with an opportunity to
learn about the economic and practical side of high-tech farming while incorporating the
many facets of science involved in the daily operation of the business. The operators can
offer tours and programs focusing on specific areas of information. For instance, a
workshop on plant propagation, culturing or lighting might be just what a garden club is
looking for, while a group of biology students is hungry to learn about the species of fish
being cultured.
One of the greatest advantages of agri-tourism is the diversification of the farm
operation. Adding a new enterprise such as tours or on-site sales of produce adds another
source of income to a farm and provides an opportunity to increase agricultural awareness
and education among the public.
In addition, agri-tourism attracts customers to farms. Adding a picnic site or
beautiful garden area to an existing operation will not only draw families to your facility
but they will stay longer if interesting attractions are provided. Customers also realize that
agri-tourism contributes to the stability of the agriculture industry and helps support rural
communities and businesses.
GETTING STARTED
So, what do Disney, Bonfante and Schmall all have in common with you? An
opportunity to help educate people about agriculture and food production while earning a
profit. Plus, as an aquaponic or hydroponic grower, you are implementing a fascinating
means of growing food that most people would love to see and learn about. You have the
basic components of agri-tourism…now add the sizzle.
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MAKE YOUR FACILITY A DESTINATION
In order for your tour guests to be happy with the tour, they will want to see a
professional, clean, tidy and organized facility and presentation. Walking someone
through a messy mix of hobbled-together equipment, dripping hoses, uncultured plants
and unhealthy fish is your ticket to disaster. Once your facility is clean and organized,
keep it that way! This includes the exterior areas such as the driveway, parking area,
walkways and approach, as well as the actual aquaponic or hydroponic system, com-
ponents and surrounding areas.
Signs identifying where guests may and may not go should be posted. In addition,
small, information signs about the facility, its equipment and operation are helpful.
MARKETING
Once you decide to offer tours and join the agri-tourism market, you will need to
promote what you are doing. Here are a few options for getting the word out:
• Contact your local Chamber of Commerce.
• Call the newspapers and tell them what you have to offer. It is likely you will get a
write-up.
• Send press releases to the newspapers in your state and to schools and trade
magazines.
• Occasionally donate a tour to local charities having a raffle.
• Post flyers in high traffic areas.
• Contact all the hotels in the area. Explain the tours and ask them if you can provide
flyers for the hotel guests.
CONCLUSION
Agri-tourism isn’t for every aquaponic or hydroponic grower out there but, if you
are out-going and want to share a bit of the knowledge you’ve acquired while earning
some extra income, why not give it a try?
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