Agritourism: Accessibility and Profitability

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Agritourism Accessibility and Profitability
Stephen J. Swain, ATP National AgrAbility
Project/Indiana AgrAbility Project Breaking New
Ground Resource Center, Purdue University
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Overview

• What is agritourism?
• Should I start an agritourism enterprise?
• Liability issues
• Accessibility of the enterprise
• Resources
• Questions

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Resources Used

• Extension Training for Agritourism Enterprises -
  NESARE
• eXtension Agritourism
• Marshfield Clinic, National Childrens Center,
  Agritourism
• AgMARC Agricultural Marketing Resource Center -
  Agritourism

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Agritourism

• Also called agritainment, agricultural tourism,
  agritourism or farm tourism. An activity,
  enterprise or business that combines primary
  elements and characteristics of agriculture and
  tourism and provides an experience for visitors
  that stimulates economic activity and impacts
  both farm and community income (eXtension).

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Examples of Agritourism

• Pumpkin Patch
• Corn Maze
• Farm Market
• U-Pick
• Petting Zoo
• Fishing
• CSA
• Farm tours
• Hunting
• Winery
• Cut your own Christmas trees
• Hay rides
• Haunted barns

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What Should I do?

• What do you like to do?
• What do you not like to do?
• What resources are available?
• Skills and abilities
• Family
• Land
• Financial
• What are the risks?
• What are your revenue goals?

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Business Planning/Feasibility

• Target audience Demographics
• What is the demand? Create it?
• Who is your competition?
• What are they doing right and wrong?
• Is there room for another competitor?
• How will you be different?

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Financials Added Income

• Admission fee
• Sales of fresh farm products
• Sales of processed or value-added products
• Activity fee
• Facility rental
• Show fee
• Food service
• Craft/souvenir sales
• Tasting fee
• Farm lodging

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Financials Added Costs

• Buildings
• Utilities
• Fencing
• Permits
• Insurance
• Signage
• Restroom facilities
• Hand washing station
• Improved lighting
• Parking
• Staffing
• Marketing
• Staff apparel

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Financials - Breakeven

• How much time will it take? What is your time
  worth?
• Does it conflict with other farming chores? Is
  it worth the hassle?
• How many visitors do you need to cover added
  expenses and pay yourself a decent wage?

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Liability

• DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT INSURANCE property and
  business
• Legal protections different with each state
• Farm organization LLC, Corp., Sole Proprietor
• What do you do in an emergency? Have a plan and
  post where it can be seen

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Liability

• Remember ages and abilities especially for
  children
• Children will wander where ever they can
• There are safety strategies for each age group
  (Marshfield Clinic)
• Post all plans and document everything

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Accessibility

• ADA Guidelines can be applied to agritourism
  sites also.
• Consider all disabilities mobility, vision,
  hearing
• Pathways, slopes, door width, door handles,
  ramps, colors, wagons

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Accessibility

• Pathways 3-4 feet wide, level, firm
• Ramps 1 inch rise per 12 inches of run
• Doors at least 32 inches w/lever handles
• Restrooms at least one access. toilet.
• Designated Parking 1 access. Per 25 total

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Resources

• Extension Training for Agritourism Development
  http//agritourism.rutgers.edu/training
• National Childrens Center for Rural and
  Agricultural Health and Safety Agritourism
  http//www3.marshfieldclinic.org/nccrahs/default.a
  spx?pagenccrahs_ag_tourism

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Questions