Agritourism Resource Page

Understanding Agritourism

According to the National Tour Association, Agritourism is the packaging of tourism-related products and services with an agriculture-based operation or activity for the primary purposes of providing enjoyment, education, or agribusiness expertise and practices for the public.

Agritourism destinations most commonly include working farms, ranches, vineyards, orchards and horticulture sites. Consumers of agritourism typically include leisure travelers, families, schools, universities, civic groups, farmers, ranchers and agriculture professionals or specialists. Agritourism often assists in drawing new travelers to a region, building local economies, creating employment opportunities, increasing visibility of particular agricultural products or establishments and providing additional sources of income to the agricultural venues themselves.

Culinary Travel

Often a subset of agritourism, culinary travel or food tourism is the packaging of travel product and services with food- and/or drink-specific destinations, sites, attractions or events. One of the primary purposes of culinary travel is to experience the unique food and drink of a particular region, area or culture.

Agritourism Resources

Find below, case studies, resources and other links that will provide helpful assistance for Tribal and Native-owned agricultural businesses looking to extend their reach and economic impact by adding an torism component.

Agritourism Articles

An Introduction to Agritourism: A Power Tool for Storytelling and Revenue Generation
Agritourism, a portmanteau of agriculture and tourism, is a fast-growing subsector of the tourism industry. Read Full Article

Is Your Tribe Ready for Agritourism?
Is your tribal community or your farming/ranching operations ready to expand your cultural impact and your economic base? Read Full Article

Curating Agritourism Experiences: Product Development
While there are plenty of benefits to engaging in culinary and agritourism, as with any tourism effort, attention should be given to crafting a compelling experience and determining whom your desired audience is. Read Full Article

Overcoming Challenges to Successfully Launch Agritourism Experiences

Many communities and entrepreneurs around the country have harnessed travelers’ increasing interest in food and farming as an opportunity to invest in traditional cuisine and practices. Beyond leading to increased community pride, many of these opportunities also provide an effective avenue for perpetuating Native cultures and traditions through education and first-hand experiences. Read Full Article

Creating an Agritourism Business Plan
No matter how great the prospective market, available resources, or the people in your community, without a comprehensive and nimble business plan, the most effective and efficient path to creating a successful agritourism business can be hard to find. Read Full Article

Native American Agritourism Case Studies

Big Apple Fest, Oneida Nation

Big Apple Fest, a family event in Oneida, Wisconsin highlights Oneida culture and history. Here, visitors can pick apples in the Oneida Orchard while also experiencing Oneida culture in five fully-restored historic log homes. They can also play games, see live animals, ride horse-drawn wagons and be entertained by Rhea the Trick Horse. Food is available through vendors and at the farmer’s market.

Held the third Saturday in September, Big Apple Fest is planned and operated by the Oneida Tourism Department and is sponsored by the Oneida Tourism Department, Oneida Cultural Heritage Department, Oneida Nation Apple Orchard, and Tsyunhehkwa Retail store.

Big Apple Fest, authored by Oneida Nation

Icy Strait Point; Hoonah, Alaska

Icy Strait Point—America’s only private cruise ship destination—offers two programs emphasizing the agri-culinary offerings of Southeast Alaska. In addition to providing distinctive culinary options for guests, the Tlingit Kitchen program teaches guests about the subsistence lifestyle of the local Tlingit people.

Icy Strait Point, authored by Dan Moore (Consultant) & edited by AIANTA Staff

Seminole Nation Vineyard; Seminole, Oklahoma

Although communal farming was an important part of traditional Seminole life, most Seminole people are at least three generations removed from farming, and 99 percent of Seminole owned arable land is not in production.

Native American-owned and Oklahoma-based Seminole Nation Vineyard and Winery (SNVW) features seven acres of dedicated vines, providing a path for Seminole people to get back to farming. The winery supports a growing tourism effort by the Nation, which also creates a ready market for the product produced by Seminole farmers.

Seminole Nation Vineyard, authored by Dan Moore (Consultant) & edited by AIANTA Staff

Agritourism Webinars

Tribal Agritourism Marketing Tools Part 1

Using New Media to Control the Message
Presenter: Rachel Cromer, AIANTA
Presenter: Paige Shepherd Williams, Chickasaw Nation
Presented in Partnership with First People’s Fund

Tribal Agritourism Marketing Tools Part 2

Using NativeAmerica.travel to promote tourism and your agritourism products
Presenter: Sandra Anderson, AIANTA
Presenter: Dan Moore, Agritourism Consultant
Presented in Partnership with First People’s Fund

Agritourism Resources

Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC)

The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) promotes the “Made by American Indians” trademark as a means to successfully and clearly identify actual American Indian products from federally recognized Tribes. There are currently more than 500 licensed trademark users and the IAC’s booklet on use of the “Made by American Indians” trademark is a good resource for interested individuals. www.indianag.org

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project

An initiative of Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and additional partners, works locally, regionally, and across the country to strengthen local food systems by supporting new farmers. They serve and collaborate with the people, communities, and organizations in Massachusetts, the Northeast, and beyond. nesfp.org

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

Since 1988, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grants and education program has advanced agricultural innovation that promotes profitability, stewardship of the land, air and water, and quality of life for farmers, ranchers and their communities. www.sare.org

Networks

CDC Native Diabetes Wellness Program

Traditional Foods Program and Map
Traditional Foods in Native America

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Smart Growth

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)

ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture Program
ATTRA is a program developed and managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). They are committed to providing high value information and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, Extension agents, educators, and others involved in sustainable agriculture in the United States.