There are so many different reasons people travel. Some travel because of a location’s historical significance and others travel to create art. Agricultural tourism is yet another reason people travel.

Agricultural tourism is also called agritourism. Let’s learn more about it and see if it’s something you would be interested in doing on your next trip. 

What is Agricultural Tourism?

The National Agricultural Law Center defines agriculture tourism, also known as agritourism, as the “crossroads of tourism and agriculture”. It is a “form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production and/or processing with tourism to attract visitors onto a farm, ranch, or other agricultural business for the purpose of entertaining and/or educating the visitors while generating income for the farm, ranch or business owner.”

This type of tourism is important because it benefits both the tourism and agricultural industries. The tourism industry profits when tourists find new activities. The agricultural industry benefits because the farmers and producers are able to create additional sources of income.

Examples of Agricultural Tourism

The National Agricultural Law Center gives examples such as: 

• pumpkin picking patches
• corn mazes
• hayrides
• winery tours and wine tasting

Are you more interested in the behind-the-scenes work that happens on a farm? You may enjoy performing farm chores such as feeding animals or harvesting crops. If the location is a garden, you can help with planting and weeding.

There are farms and wineries you can visit all over the world. The photos below were taken at a winery I visited in Austria.

Where to Find Destinations

Agritourism World is a great resource for finding both local and foreign agricultural tourism destinations. They feature Belltown Hill Orchards, located in Glastonbury, Connecticut. You can read my Glastonbury blog post to find out more about Belltown Hill Orchards and how you can pick apples at the orchard this fall. (The photo above, with the pumpkins, is of Belltown Hill Orchards.)

Agriturismo.it is a great site for locating agricultural tourism locations throughout Italy. 

Do you want to stay in a 17th century farmhouse in Italy? Agriturismo Masseria del Crocifisso may be the perfect place for you. Help with farm work and take cooking and gardening classes.

There is a good chance you have tried agricultural tourism before. If you haven’t, what are you interested in trying? Will you take a wine tour, pick fruit or feed farm animals?