Guest Article by Christine Hawks, NAFDMA Membership and Events Manager If you want to challenge your notion of what it means to be alone, visit your library for a copy of Solitude - In Pursuit of a Singular Life in a Crowded World by Michael Harris. And, then earn some bonus points, if you can truly spend several hours alone. Sounds simple enough, right? Agriculture can be isolating and much of the work as agritourism owners and operators, especially during the off-season, might be done alone. But, are you really alone? First, let’s agree on a shared understanding of the states of alone and loneliness. Similar sounding words with very different meanings. Alone is generally accepted to reference a physical state of being by yourself. Whereas loneliness is generally used to describe sadness or feeling disconnected. On our farms, we likely experience both from time to time. And, believe it or not, being alone does have its benefits. Even in the most rural of communities, we’re still connected digitally. Can you recall the last time that you were actually alone for a day - No text messages, no email communication, no cordial greeting with the mail delivery person or your neighbor across the field? I recently tried this challenge and found that it’s more difficult than I could have imagined. I have an elderly mom, so I never feel like I can ignore text messages for a day. I was expecting a delivery of medication for my dog, so I kept checking email because I needed to monitor the tracking schedule. My neighbor came over to chat when she noticed me out mowing the yard. But, as Harris references in his book, we need that alone time, the solitude. And, I’ll take it one step further, we need the mundane in our lives. Two heads can be better than one when focused on an analytical, straightforward problem, but what if you’re trying to coax your next big idea or tackling a complex challenge? Spending time alone and allowing your mind to wander, might just be the solution that you’re looking for. We have ample opportunities to give ourselves this time and space within the routine of our farms. Mucking out stalls? Skip the podcast for an hour and let your mind focus where it will. Mowing the walking paths? Let the hum of the mower lull your mind into a relaxed state. These seemingly mindless chores can allow your thoughts to flow unbound, and you might be pleasantly surprised by what bubbles up when you give your mind the freedom from focus and concentration. I believe I know the only cure, which is to make one’s center of life inside of one’s self, not selfishly or excludingly, but with a kind of unassailable serenity - to decorate one’s inner house so richly that one is content there, glad to welcome anyone who wants to come and stay, but happy all the same when one is inevitably alone. - Edith Wharton, American author

Agritourism has grown from a niche add-on to a genuine draw for travelers — and understanding why can help NAFDMA members make the most of it. Here's what's driving the interest, and a few tips for turning that interest into overnight guests. Why agritourism resonates right now Travelers increasingly want experiences over amenities. A night spent on a working farm — surrounded by orchards, vineyards, or pasture instead of a parking lot — offers something a hotel or campground simply can't: a direct connection to where food comes from and the people who grow it. For farms, that shift in demand is an opportunity. Visitors aren't just passing through; they're looking to learn, taste, and engage. Why this matters to the RV community specifically RV travelers are natural agritourism guests. They already prioritize slower, more scenic routes over interstate rest stops, and they tend to seek out destinations with character. That's a big part of why Good Sam Overnight Stays exists: it connects RVers with agritourism properties — farms, wineries, breweries — willing to host them overnight. The program is backed by Camping World (largest RV dealer in North America) and reaches Good Sam's 600,000+ Elite Members, all of whom have access to it as part of their membership. For farms, that's a built-in audience of travelers actively seeking exactly what agritourism offers. Tips for turning interest into visits ● Lead with the experience, not just the stay. RVers remember the farm stand conversation or the sunrise over the vines more than the parking spot itself. ● Make it easy to say yes. Clear information on hookups, access, and hours reduces hesitation for a traveler deciding where to stop. ● Encourage lingering. Longer stays often lead to more time spent exploring the property, shopping the farm stand, or booking a return trip. ● Word of mouth travels fast in the RV community. A great first-time host experience often turns into repeat visits and referrals to fellow travelers. ● Start small. Hosting doesn't require a set schedule — hosts can offer as many or as few nights as make sense for their property. Getting started Joining Good Sam Overnight Stays as a host is free, with no reservation minimums and full control over which nights are offered. Good Sam’s team handles the marketing and member support, so hosts can focus on running their farm and delivering the experience travelers are looking for. For NAFDMA members exploring new ways to bring visitors to the farm, Overnight Stays offers a simple entry point into agritourism's fastest-growing audience: the RV traveler. Join here: https://hostovernightstays.goodsam.com/become-a-host For any questions, please reach out to Good Sam’s Partnerships Manager Kyle Mackowiak – kyle.mackowiak@campingworld.com 

Fresh donuts can be one of the most memorable—and profitable—food offerings at an agritourism operation. The aroma draws guests in, encourages impulse purchases, and can turn a simple concession item into a signature farm experience. Start with a Signature Product Before adding multiple flavors and toppings, perfect one high-quality donut your team can produce consistently. Ask: Can every team member make the same product? Can quality be maintained during peak attendance? Are guests receiving a fresh donut every time? Consistency builds guest trust and gives them a reason to return. Let Guests See—and Smell—the Process Agritourism operators have an advantage over traditional retailers: guests can experience the product being made. Whenever possible, make production visible. Watching donuts fry, move through the line, or receive a cinnamon-sugar coating builds anticipation and reinforces freshness. Allow the scent to waft into nearby areas, if possible. The sights and smells are part of the attraction. Design the Program for Busy Days Long lines and slow service can quickly limit sales. Review the entire purchasing process, from ordering to payment and pickup. Consider: Separate ordering and pickup areas Grab-and-go packages Express lines for popular items Additional registers during peak weekends A great product still needs to be easy to purchase. Increase Sales with Bundles Pair donuts with complementary products to increase the average transaction. Popular combinations include: Donuts and cider Donuts and coffee Family-sized take-home packs Donuts and ice cream Seasonal flavor assortments Instead of selling a single item, create a complete farm experience. Create Reasons to Return Keep your signature donut consistent, but introduce limited-time flavors throughout the season. Maple, pumpkin, strawberry, blueberry, caramel apple, and holiday-inspired varieties can generate excitement, repeat visits, and social media content. Limited availability also creates urgency and encourages guests to purchase while the flavor is available. Build Strong Production Systems Document recipes, frying times, coating procedures, packaging standards, and cleaning schedules. Cross-train team members so production does not depend on one employee. Track hourly sales, attendance, weather, and seasonal trends to improve forecasting. Producing in smaller batches throughout the day can help maintain freshness while reducing waste. Make Donuts Part of Your Marketing A signature donut can market your operation long after the guest leaves. Branded packaging, creative toppings, seasonal flavors, and behind-the-scenes videos encourage guests to take photos, share their experience, and introduce your farm to new audiences. Avoid Common Mistakes Operators can strengthen their donut program by avoiding: Too many menu choices at a time Hidden production areas Long wait times Unappealing packaging Overproduction and waste Inconsistent quality  The Bottom Line The strongest donut programs combine quality, consistency, efficient service, and guest experience. When guests can smell the donuts, watch them being made, purchase them easily, and take home a product worth talking about, donuts become more than a menu item. They become part of the memory—and an important revenue opportunity for the operation.

Memories Are Made of This: Turning Farm Visits Into Stories That Last There is a reason certain songs, scents, places, and foods can take us right back to another season of life. “Memories Are Made of This,” made famous by Dean Martin in 1955, still brings a sense of nostalgia to many people today. It reminds us that memories are powerful, and for farm visitors, those memories often begin with the simplest moments. A child tasting something fresh from the farm. A grandparent remembering the way things used to be. A family laughing together on a wagon ride. A visitor meeting the farmer and hearing the story behind the food. These are the moments that make agritourism so meaningful. The Power of Nostalgia What we create on our farms should be rooted in memories and nostalgia. Many visitors come because they want to reconnect with something from their past. Others, especially younger generations, are looking for a better understanding of farms, food, and farming life. As an industry, agritourism has done a strong job of creating those memorable experiences while visitors are on the farm. But many farms have an opportunity to take the next step: keeping those memories alive after the visitor has gone home. At our own farm, Chestnut Brae, it took us a few years to realize we were not simply selling sweet chestnuts. We were selling nostalgia. It is common for visitors to begin reminiscing about roasted chestnuts they once enjoyed on a street corner in New York, Paris, Rome, London, or Kuala Lumpur. For us, that became our point of difference. We were not just offering a product. We were offering a memory. That leads to an important question for every agritourism operator: What are the nostalgic experiences on your farm? The Power of Meaningful Experiences As more agritourism destinations continue to grow and evolve, visitors around the world are looking for more than just a day out. They are looking for something meaningful. They want to meet the farmer. They want to understand where their food comes from. They want to feel connected to the land, the people, and the story. They want to take those memories home and share them with family and friends. Farmers have a unique opportunity to turn everyday farm life into memorable visitor experiences. The work that may feel ordinary to us can be extraordinary to someone who has never seen it, tasted it, or understood the story behind it. Our role is to turn agritourism, entertainment, and food into a story visitors can take home with them. Storytelling Keeps the Experience Alive Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have in agritourism. Visitors should experience the story while they are on the farm, but the opportunity does not have to end when they leave. At Chestnut Brae , we are partnering with Storylands Atlas , an organization working with farm partners in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Visitors can scan a QR code while they are at the farm, which takes them to Storyland Atlas, where their online memory storyboard begins. From there, they can continue engaging with the farm experience through audio stories, collectables, digital adventures, recipes, and keepsakes. The goal is simple: take the real farm experience and extend it into a living story world that families can continue to enjoy at home. Bringing the Farm Story Home The more we can connect visitors to the story of our farms, the more likely they are to remember us, return to us, and share our story with others. Agritourism is not just about what visitors do while they are on the farm. It is also about what they remember when they leave. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and stories all become part of the experience. Those memories can continue to build loyalty, connection, and excitement long after the visit is over. The Agritourism Training Academy provides tools to help farms develop meaningful, nostalgic experiences for their visitors. To learn more, click the Agritourism Training Academy’s name above.

Make the Most of the Space You Have Guest written by Randy White Many farms are gearing up for their summer and fall festival seasons. Here are a few layout tips for planning festival grounds. People dislike dead ends because they make guests retrace their steps. Instead, create continuous circulation paths. Here’s a conceptual illustration showing a bad and good circulation pattern.

From 50 hens to 4,500 layers, Aaron Brand shares the lessons, challenges, and rewards of building a successful egg enterprise alongside a diversified agritourism farm.

There is something powerful about stepping onto another farm and seeing agritourism through a fresh set of eyes. New layouts, new revenue streams, new guest experiences, new food ideas, and new conversations all have a way of sending attendees home with notebooks full of possibilities. That is exactly what happened when NAFDMA members and friends gathered for the 2026 Agritourism Farm Tour, June 16–17. Over two full days, attendees explored a diverse lineup of farms and destinations across Virginia and Maryland, each offering a unique look at how agriculture, retail, events, hospitality, and seasonal experiences can come together to create memorable guest experiences. A Tour Rooted in Learning, Connection & Big Ideas The Agritourism Farm Tour is designed to get operators out from behind their own gates and onto farms where learning happens in real time. From fall festival operations and pick-your-own crops to farm markets, food service, event venues, garden centers, and beverage experiences, this tour offered a wide range of ideas for attendees to take home, adapt, and make their own. And of course, some of the best learning happened between stops — on the bus, over meals, during tours, and in the conversations shared between agritourism professionals who understand the joy, pressure, creativity, and heart behind this industry. Day by Day: Inspiration Across Virginia & Maryland Day One — Big Fall Energy, Farm History & Market Experiences The first day began at Cox Farms , a second-generation family business known for creating one of the largest fall events in the Mid-Atlantic region. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from an operation that builds much of its own guest experience, manages major seasonal staffing demands, and continues to grow its fall festival and haunted attraction offerings year after year. From food made on site to large-scale attractions and highly intentional seasonal planning, Cox Farms offered a powerful look at what it takes to build a destination that guests return to again and again. From there, the tour traveled to Belvedere Plantation , a working production farm with a deep history along the Rappahannock River. Attendees learned about the farm’s evolution from pick-your-own strawberries and pumpkins into a fall festival destination featuring the Great Pumpkin Patch, Great Adventure Maize Maze, food venues, and more than 25 attractions. Even though the farm was not open for its fall season during the visit, the stop provided valuable behind-the-scenes insight into seasonal operations, layout, and long-term direct marketing growth. The afternoon continued at Old House Vineyards , a family-owned agritourism destination in Virginia wine country. Set on 165 acres of working farmland, Old House Vineyards showcased how a farm can create gathering spaces around wine, beer, spirits, tours, tastings, weddings, and private events. It was a beautiful reminder that agritourism can be about slowing down, creating atmosphere, and giving guests a reason to stay, celebrate, and return. The day wrapped up at Messick’s Farm Market , a third-generation family farm with roots dating back to the 1920s. Attendees explored how the Messick family blends traditional agriculture, dairy, crop production, a farm market, pick-your-own crops, local products, prepared foods, outdoor play areas, and seasonal festivals. With fresh produce, deli offerings, ice cream, children’s attractions, and hands-on farm experiences, Messick’s highlighted the power of creating a true community gathering place. Day Two — Legacy Farms, Garden Retail & Seasonal Expansion The second day began at Butler’s Orchard , a family-owned Maryland farm that has grown from 25 acres of peaches and a small farm market under an apple tree into more than 300 acres of fruits, vegetables, flowers, trees, pick-your-own crops, seasonal events, and a vibrant farm market. The Butler story offered attendees a meaningful look at legacy, customer service, family involvement, and the way a farm can grow while still honoring its roots. Next, the tour visited Homestead Gardens , the largest enclosed garden center in the Baltimore–Washington, D.C. area. This stop highlighted the many ways retail, education, community outreach, events, environmental advocacy, and hospitality can work together. From the Beer Farm collaboration and event spaces to kids’ programming, signature events, fundraising, and sustainability efforts, Homestead Gardens offered creative inspiration for farms looking to expand their impact beyond traditional retail. The tour concluded at Montpelier Farms , a fall festival destination preparing for its 19th season. With more than 30 fall attractions, a 7-acre corn maze, farm animals, food service, a café, a market and donut operation in a historic tobacco barn, events, private campfires, and a growing tulip experience, Montpelier Farms showcased the importance of season extension and creative use of farm assets. Their fall festival, nighttime offerings, tulip planting, food options, and event spaces gave attendees plenty to think about as they headed home. Why This Tour Mattered This was more than a list of farm stops. It was a collection of real-world lessons that agritourism operators can carry back to their own businesses: Guest experience is built with intention. From arrival flow and food placement to photo ops, play areas, markets, and gathering spaces, every detail matters. Seasonal businesses require year-round thinking. Many of the farms on the tour showed how planning, building, staffing, and improving never really stop. Food and retail continue to be powerful profit centers. Farm markets, cafés, donuts, beverages, prepared foods, and local products all played a key role in the guest experience. Legacy and innovation can grow side by side. These farms honored family history while continuing to evolve for today’s guests. Connection is one of NAFDMA’s greatest strengths. The conversations, questions, and shared experiences between attendees are what make these tours so valuable. What’s Next? Whether you joined us on the tour or followed along from home, we hope this recap gives you fresh ideas and encouragement for your own farm, market, or agritourism destination. NAFDMA events are created to bring operators together for education, inspiration, and connection — because when we learn from one another, our farms, families, teams, and communities grow stronger. Keep an eye on upcoming NAFDMA opportunities, including future tours, learning events, and the Agritourism Convention & Expo. Your next great idea may be waiting at the next stop. Thank You A heartfelt thank you to each farm that opened its gates, shared its story, and gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity and hard work behind their operations. Thank you to everyone who attended, asked questions, shared ideas, and made the 2026 Agritourism Farm Tour such a meaningful experience. And thank you to our 2026 Farm Tour sponsors for helping make this event possible. Together, these shared experiences continue to strengthen the agritourism industry — one farm, one conversation, and one new idea at a time.

At NAFDMA, we are always looking for ways to create more value for our members — not only through education and connection, but through opportunities that help your business grow stronger and more sustainable for the future. That is why we are EXCITED to share a new opportunity designed to support NAFDMA members. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program — Available to NAFDMA Members at No Cost Running an agritourism business requires more than passion — it requires strategy, leadership, and a strong understanding of how to grow sustainably. That’s why we’re excited to share that NAFDMA members can participate in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program completely free of charge. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a national nonprofit initiative focused on strengthening local economies by supporting small businesses and the communities they serve. In partnership with Goldman Sachs, ICIC helps deliver this highly respected and competitive growth program designed specifically to help business owners build the skills, connections, and confidence needed to scale. Want to see a NAFDMA member sharing their experience with the program? Click to WATCH THIS VIDEO. What Makes the Program Valuable? Participants in the 10KSB program receive: A full scholarship funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation — offered at no cost to the business owner Hands-on education focused on real business growth Practical, action-oriented learning designed for immediate implementation Curriculum covering real-world business skills such as: Negotiation Marketing Employee management Financial growth strategies Access to highly trained professionals who understand what it takes to grow a small business A powerful peer network of growth-minded business owners from across the country Real Results for Small Businesses The impact of the program speaks for itself. Within six months of graduating: 66% of participating businesses report increased revenues 44% report adding new jobs Programs like this provide business owners the opportunity to truly work on their business — not just in it. For agritourism operators balancing operations, staffing, guest experience, marketing, and long-term planning, this kind of focused business development can be transformational. Learn More & Apply To learn more about the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program or begin the application process, visit: 10,000 Small Businesses Application We encourage NAFDMA members to explore this incredible opportunity and consider how investing in your leadership and business growth today can shape the future of your operation tomorrow. At NAFDMA, we believe strong businesses create stronger farms, stronger destinations, and stronger communities. We’re proud to continue connecting members with opportunities that support growth, innovation, and long-term success across the agritourism industry.

Consider This Your Permission — and Invitation — to PAUSE

Guest post from John Stanley

For our industry spotlight this month, we are excited to share ideas and info from The Toy Network . Insights from The Toy Network Whether you’re an established farm store or just starting out and you’re interested in carrying toys, our Toy Stack and Die-Cast displays may be an ideal solution when dealing with limited space. In retail, it’s all about sales per square foot. With our Toy Stack display, you get 24 different impulse items in just two square feet! It would take more than 40’ to merchandise the same number of items on a shelf. The Toy Stack is an important profit center for your farm store business, as the items in the display average less than $2.50 at wholesale. In addition to The Toy Stack, our Die-Cast display features 13 different vehicles that can all be merchandised on our metal die-cast display. We offer a pre-packaged assortment of vehicles and have more than 200 high quality die-cast vehicles to select from when you need to fill in on your display. Stop by our user-friendly ecommerce website and shop our more than 4,000 products where at just $250, we offer free freight, or visit us on Faire. Furthermore, if you’d like to have one of our 85 sales reps across the country stop in to meet with you, please let us know. More information is available at www.thetoynetwork.com .

 In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we have launched a new web page to encourage community connection and support those needing mental health tools and resources. You'll find a curated collection of online inspiration and resources for navigating the stress of owning and managing a farm, developing a work-life balance and encouraging everyday mindfulness. The resources featured here are accessible and available to all regardless of membership with NAFDMA as part of our PAUSE initiative. Emphasizing your mental health and wellness, PAUSE stands for: Priority, Awareness, Unplug, Support and Exhale. NAFDMA debuted its PAUSE initiative at the 2026 Agritourism Convention and Expo with the PAUSE Wellness Lounge - an intentional space to rest and recharge during the Convention.

What makes a farm feel joyful?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to bring conversations about mental health out into the open. For those in agriculture, these conversations are more important than ever. Farming is more than a job—it’s a lifestyle, a legacy, and often a calling. But behind the early mornings, long days, and deep connection to the land, there’s a reality we don’t always talk about: farm stress is real, and it’s rising. The Reality: Mental Health in Agriculture Farmers and agricultural workers face unique pressures that can take a serious toll on mental health: Financial uncertainty and fluctuating markets Weather dependency and climate stress Long hours with little time off Physical isolation and limited access to care Generational expectations and legacy pressure And the data reflects this challenge: Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population Suicide rates in rural America have risen sharply, increasing nearly twice as fast as urban areas Agriculture consistently ranks among the highest-risk occupations for suicide This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reminder that many in our communities are carrying heavy, unseen burdens. Why It Matters for Agritourism & Farm Businesses Mental health doesn’t just affect individuals—it affects your entire operation. When stress goes unaddressed, it can impact: Decision-making and business growth Customer experience Family dynamics Employee well-being Just like your crops or livestock, your well-being needs care and attention to thrive. What Balance Can Look Like Here are a few realistic ways to support mental wellness on the farm: 1. Redefine “Balance” Balance doesn’t mean equal time—it means sustainable energy. Some seasons will demand more, and that’s okay. 2. Build Micro-Breaks Into Your Day Even 10 minutes to step away, hydrate, or reset can make a difference during peak seasons. 3. Stay Connected Isolation is one of the biggest risk factors in agriculture. Make intentional time to connect with anyone who brings you peace and joy. 4. Normalize the Conversation Talking about stress doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. The more we talk, the more we reduce stigma. Resources for Farmers & Rural Communities If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available—and it’s designed specifically for agricultural communities: Farm State of Mind (American Farm Bureau Federation) Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Dial 988 in the U.S.) Local extension offices Rural health programs USA and Canada Many of these programs recognize that farmers face unique, industry-specific stressors and offer support tailored to that reality. A Final Thought Mental health is just as important as physical safety on the farm. This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, consider this your reminder: Check in with yourself Check in with your neighbors And know that you’re not alone Because behind every successful farm is a person—and that person matters most.

We live in interesting times. Consumers have fewer dollars in their pockets and are more selective where they spend them. Plus, farms, like other businesses, are seeing the cost of doing business become more expensive. What happens now? As in the past, most businesses in challenging times will reduce their marketing and pull up the hatches to try and weather the storm. These businesses will often fail in economic climates such as now. Other businesses will develop new strategies with the aim of growing their business and will be ready when the crisis finishes. How you manage your agritourism business depends on where you see yourself in the evolution of your business. Many of us started with a market stall on the side of the road selling our produce. We were “produce” sellers. Some farms stayed like that, while other farms evolved to the next level and became retailers or agritourism operators. We learned about the importance of signage, customer flow and merchandising, and our average sale and customer count went up. Having proven the formula to be right, some of these farms evolved into experience retailers who provided a retail or agritourism experience for our consumers. Many businesses plateau at this stage. The leaders developed again and became “Onliness” operators in their marketplace. They became the place to visit. Examples in our industry include Tully’s Farm in the UK and Willowtree Farm Market in Ontario. In a challenging world, many agritourism operators will find it difficult because of the competition, while the “Onliness” operators will develop their market niche and often grow their business because they are the venue of choice in their catchment area. They are “Unique” in the consumer's mind and not seen as a “me too” operator. Consumers want to escape the urban environment and have time in the country. They want to venture to somewhere that is memorable and get the strategy right; they will help with your marketing. Now is the time to develop your business by identifying what makes you unique and developing a business and marketing plan to grow the business. The Agritourism Training Academy is a comprehensive online training program for Agritourism operators. The Academy is operated by John Stanley and his daughter, Lara. To learn more, visit www.agritourismtrainingacademy.com

Most people think they know what agritourism is. A farm. A pumpkin patch. Maybe a seasonal festival. And while those are agritourism… they’re only a small part of it. The bigger truth? A lot of destinations—and businesses—are already doing agritourism. They just don’t realize it yet. Let’s Start With the Definition At its core, agritourism is simple: Agritourism is an agricultural enterprise attracting visitors to a farm or ranch to experience a connection with agriculture production and/or processing through entertainment, education, and/or the purchase of farm products. That definition—commonly used by NAFDMA International Agritourism Association—is intentionally broad. Because agritourism isn’t about where you are. It’s about how people experience agriculture. So… How Do You Know If You’re Agritourism? Here’s the easiest way to think about it: If a visitor can engage with agriculture at your business or in your destination— you’re in the agritourism space. That engagement might look like: Having fun Learning something Eating or drinking something Buying something connected to agriculture If one (or more) of those is happening… you’re not adjacent to agritourism. You’re in it. All the Ways You Might Already Be Doing Agritourism You’re Agritourism If You… …Invite people onto a farm U-pick orchards Animal encounters Farm tours …Host events tied to agriculture Harvest festivals Bloom seasons (lavender, sunflowers, tulips) Pollinator or nature-based events …Serve food or drinks connected to agriculture Farm-to-table meals Wineries, cideries, breweries Tastings and culinary experiences …Sell products grown or made from agriculture Farm markets Value-added goods (jams, baked goods, honey) Branded farm products …Create experiences designed for fun on agricultural land Corn mazes Hayrides Playgrounds and attractions …Teach people something about agriculture Workshops Classes Demonstrations …Offer a place to stay connected to agriculture Farm stays Glamping Cabins on agricultural land …Connect multiple experiences across a destination Farm trails Local food routes Partnerships between farms, restaurants, and lodging If you checked even one of these… You’re not “considering” agritourism. You’re already doing it. The Real Question Isn’t If—It’s How Well Most destinations don’t need to “add” agritourism. They need to: Recognize what they already have Connect the pieces Design the experience more intentionally Because the real opportunity is in building an ecosystem where: Visitors stay longer Spend more And leave with a stronger connection Final Thought Agritourism isn’t a label you earn. It’s a lens you apply. And once you start looking through it, you realize: You were closer to it than you thought.

How Sharing Your Farm’s Unique Story Brings Guests Back Again and Again

Why Custom Stickers Are a Must-Have Retail Item for Farm Stores & Gift Shops

An Interview with Vanessa of Tulip Valley Farms

Every agritourism operation relies on partners. From the tools you use to run your business, to the products you sell, to the experiences you create for your guests—behind every decision is a vendor, a supplier, or a service provider. But finding the right partners? That’s not always easy. That’s why NAFDMA has built something incredibly valuable for its members: a curated network of trusted partners —paired with exclusive savings. A Network You Can Trust Not all vendors understand agritourism. And that matters. NAFDMA partners are not random listings—they’re businesses that have chosen to invest in this industry and support farms like yours. Many are already working with agritourism operations, which means they understand: Seasonal demands and peak traffic Guest experience expectations Operational challenges unique to farms The importance of safety, durability, and efficiency Instead of starting from zero, you’re starting with vendors who already understand your world. Savings That Go Beyond the Surface Yes—there are discounts. But this benefit is about more than just a lower price. Through NAFDMA’s partner network and savings programs, members can access reduced pricing on a wide range of business needs—and even personal expenses. It can include things like: Business supplies and equipment Marketing tools and services Travel and lodging Fuel and everyday operational costs In fact, collective buying programs connected to NAFDMA have helped members save significantly on everyday purchases—sometimes averaging notable cost reductions across multiple vendors. It’s not just a perk—it’s a strategy for running a more efficient business. Better Decisions, Less Guesswork Choosing a vendor can feel like trial and error. Will they deliver on time? Will their product hold up? Will it actually work for your farm? With NAFDMA partners, you’re not making those decisions alone. You’re backed by: A network of members who have worked with these vendors Industry familiarity that reduces miscommunication Proven solutions already being used on farms It turns vendor selection from a gamble into a more confident, informed decision. Built-In Opportunities You Might Not Expect Some of the biggest value comes from opportunities for which you might not even be looking. Through NAFDMA partnerships, members can access things like: Special deals tied to industry markets and events Cost-saving opportunities when attending wholesale shows Connections to new product lines that increase retail revenue For example, NAFDMA has coordinated benefits like reduced travel costs and perks at wholesale markets—helping farms discover new products while lowering the cost of attending. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about unlocking new revenue opportunities. A Smarter Way to Grow At the end of the day, every dollar you save—and every smart partnership you make—has an impact on your farm. NAFDMA’s partner network helps you: Spend more strategically Find vendors faster Reduce risk in your decisions Discover new ideas and products Because growth isn’t just about what you add. It’s about how wisely you choose what supports your business. Ready to connect with partners who understand your farm—and help you run it more efficiently? Explore NAFDMA membership and start taking advantage of exclusive partner benefits . Visit NAFDMA.com to learn more.