Article: Agritourism on the Alpaca Farm

Is it worthwhile for you to use your farm for agritourism experiences? Opening your farm up to new entertainment, recreational, and educational activities may create a new revenue stream that bolsters visitation to your farm and sales of your products.
 

Defining Agritourism and Similar Value-Added Enterprises

You likely already engage in some forms of agritourism, if you host holiday open houses or participate in the annual National Alpaca Farm Days. Many visitors simply yearn for an authentic farm experience, and opening your farm by appointment or on particular occasions to share your work with the public is the simplest form of agritourism. Might it be time to add some alternative enterprises to the farm?

What are alternative enterprises? According to the Southern Maryland RC&D Board's guide "Taking the First Step,"   

Alternative Enterprises are "marketing an existing farm or ranch product differently, adding value before it is sold, or adding a new enterprise (product or service) to existing enterprises on the farm or ranch. Also referred to as enterprise diversification. Besides the production of food and fiber, alternative enterprises include the following activities:

• Agritourism - Inviting the public onto a farm or ranch to participate in various activities and enjoy an agricultural experience. Agritourism enterprises include bed and breakfast, for-fee fishing or hunting, pick-your-own fruits/ vegetables, corn mazes, farm markets, and much more. 

• Agritainment - Providing the public with fun on-farm or on-ranch activities. Such activities include haunted houses, mazes, miniature golf, yoga, horseback riding, hayrides, and the like.

• Agrieducation - Formal and informal education about agriculture through signage, tours, hands-on classes, seminars, and other methods."
 

What are some examples of successful agritourism ventures? Vineyards offering tastings and events like concert series have become extremely popular, especially when included in a regional "wine tour." Corn mazes and pumpkin patches remain a fall favorite. Don't forget the cider donuts at the end!
 

Agritourism as a Source of Revenue

If you are planning to host an event or recurring series of events on your farm to attract tourists, consider the many possible income streams. Many of the above activities are now lumped into the term “agritourism.” Whether you choose to charge an admission fee, or charge for activities onsite, there are numerous ways to build value into the experience. You may choose to charge a small fee to feed the alpacas or take a hayride, for instance. Some farms provide tastings or sell produce or food grown onsite, while others choose to be full fledged bed and breakfasts! Regardless, as an alpaca farmer, you will probably find that a gift shop for selling alpaca products will be central to your farm’s success.

Perhaps your farm is the perfect event space for weddings and private events? A picturesque landscape might make it the ideal backdrop for photographers willing to rent it out as well. Other farms have had success hosting picnic suppers for the community.
 

Challenges of Agritourism

Opening up your farm to visitors means that you must also manage visitor expectations. If you have open hours, visitors will expect you to be open during that time. Farms can be inherently hazardous, so it is important to prepare your site for visitors, complete with signs and fencing if necessary. Visitors will likely expect ample parking and bathroom facilities, so if you’re putting on a larger event or expect sustained visitors throughout a season, it may be worthwhile to rent a portable toilet. 

Having clearly demarcated areas for visitors is one way to keep your animals and guests safe while on the farm!
 

The Risks of Agritourism

Despite the benefits of broadening your offerings beyond open houses, engaging in agritourism require careful pre-planning prior to planning your events. Before embarking on any agritourism ventures, understand any risks or liabilities. Does your insurance cover accidents and injuries that take place during non-farm related events? You could also run into a zoning conflict, or may be required to obtain a permit or variance, such as an event permit if you hope to use your farm for recreational or educational activities. Financially, engaging in certain forms of agritourism can complicate taxes, and if your farm has employees, using your facilities for agritourism can also alter your compensation requirements.
 

Make sure you understand the potential financial risks and other conflicts that may arise before you invest in an agritourism venture.
 

Interested? Learn More about Agritourism

If you're interested in learning more about adding alternative enterprises to your farm, participating in National Alpaca Farm Days this September is a great way to start, by demonstrating activities that you're already doing on a daily basis. Invite the public to your farm to purchase products, interact with the animals, and tour your farm. If you're able to, offer demonstrations on alpaca care and management, and hands on activities for kids and adults alike. If you find that you're successful, why not investigate the possbility of making your farm an agritourism destination!
 

Agritourism Resources: http://tioga.cce.cornell.edu/for-farmers/agritourism

Getting Started in Agritourism: http://senecacountycce.org/resources/getting-started-in-agritourism

Considerations for Agritourism Development: http://senecacountycce.org/resources/considerations-for-agri-tourism-development

Taking the First Step: http://senecacountycce.org/resources/taking-the-first-step-farm-and-ranch-alternative-enterprise-and-agritourism-resource-evaluation-guide

FAQ: Agritourism on your farm: https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2019/04/faq-agritourism-on-your-farm/