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.