In the U.S agritourism is increasingly of interest, both for farmers and travelers, though its definition varies widely from state to state and farm to farm. While some farmers and regulatory bodies are hesitant and question whether on-farm experiences should be labeled as tourism, there is a noteworthy development: the USDA is mulling over appointing an agritourism coordinator, signaling a heightened acknowledgment of agritourism’s role in strengthening rural economies and connecting consumers with farms.

Studies both in the U.S. and internationally highlight the growth of agritourism and its positive financial impact on local communities, the broader travel industry, and the sustainability of farms. Fortune Business Insights reports that the global agritourism market was valued at USD 69.24 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 117.37 billion by 2027, with a 7.42% annual growth rate.

Farmstay X Global Agritourism Network

Small farms worldwide face operational challenges, underscoring the significance of agritourism. The newly formed Global Agritourism Network (GAN), comprising farmers, academics, tourism experts, officials, and more, is rapidly expanding, with 445 members from 77 countries. GAN aims to exchange best practices, regulatory solutions, diverse agritourism experiences, and studies to inform future planning and support strategies for farmers globally.

The concerns of unsustainable livelihoods and urban disconnection from farming are not confined to the U.S.; they are global issues. Agritourism presents a bridge between urban and rural communities, offering a unique pathway for understanding, appreciation, and mutual benefit for generations to come. Farmstay, as a member of GAN’s steering committee and the current representative for North America, proudly supports this initiative. Farm stays are only one facet of agritourism but what better way to know your farmer and wake up to the rooster’s crow.

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Grocery chains and shopping online may be convenient and at times necessary, but supporting local farms has many benefits to explore that are not only delicious but invaluable to the local community and environment.  They play a crucial role in the sustainability of our food systems by contributing to local economies, food quality, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

Small farms are the backbones of local economies as they circulate money within the community by producing and supplying local goods in their stores.  This boosts agricultural activity as it creates a demand for nearby farms to support each other.  They also foster economic resilience by creating employment opportunities for local residents.  

Frequenting small farm stores not only gives access to high-quality, nutritious food but also fosters a sense of community between consumers and farmers.  By cutting out the middleman, consumers have the opportunity to gain insight into cultivation practices, animal welfare, and overall quality, which allows them to participate in maintaining the integrity of their local food systems for the whole community. 

Mass-produced fruit and vegetable varieties in supermarkets are often very limited as they are commonly shipped from afar, so flavor is often sacrificed for shelf life and hardiness in transport.  Meat varieties are also sometimes relegated to breeds that grow quickly, produce the most offspring and/or yield the largest carcasses. Small farms often grow more heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables and heritage or hybrid breeds that have distinct flavor profiles that you won’t find in your every-day supermarket.   Utilizing local farms as a resource for seeds and starters can also help ensure your home garden is more likely to be a success as well.     

Many small farms take pride in environmental stewardship by encouraging biodiversity with polyculture, crop rotations, integrated pest management and soil conservation techniques to keep their land productive.  By choosing to shop locally, you are helping to mitigate climate change by reducing the carbon footprint — minimizing the need for long-distance transportation of goods, preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable land use.

Small farms can also serve as community hubs that bring people together through fostering social connections at workshops, educational events and markets.  Taking a class taught by experts who produce these items is a great way to bring the farm home with you and learn some homesteading skills to practice  at home.  Furthermore, they often support local charities, schools and community initiatives creating a sense of shared responsibility and well-being.

If you don’t have enough room in the car to bring home half a hog or some frozen chickens or you are visiting from out of state, shopping online is sometimes your only alternative.  Many small farms have adapted to the times and created e-commerce stores so you can still shop small at home.   

Farm stores are not all about food though — they often also feature handmade items from local artists and craftsman.  Many stock pelts, yarn and other fiber arts from their sheep, leather goods from cattle as well as furniture, folk art, and other wares to bring home with you.

While staying on a farm can be a fun and memorable experience, it is important to remember the vitality of a farm rests in your support of their farm stores.  Spending your dollars locally is so much more than buying food or trinkets; you are supporting your friends and neighbors.  From raw milk and artisan cheeses to homemade baked goods, wine and local art – these specialty items are unique only to small farms and are often more affordable than generic or large-scale suppliers. Let us recognize and celebrate the vital role they play through creativity, hard work and collaboration to create a sustainable and resilient food system and community.  

To see all of the Farmstay farms with farm stores, click here.

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1. Could you tell us a bit about East Hill Farm?

JM: The Inn at East Hill Farm offers a vacation atmosphere coupled with a unique farm-oriented educational experience. Year round activities for the whole family include indoor and outdoor swimming, hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, cow milking, egg collecting, hay and sleigh rides, horseback riding and a children’s recreation program. Three home-cooked family style meals are served daily.

2. Your farm has so many different programs … you host farm vacations, senior programs, sleigh rides, dances, and more. How do you do it all? And how does it all fit together?

JM: East Hill Farm does offer many experiences. At the heart of it all we are a family vacation resort with a working farm. For many years we have offered families a relaxing vacation on the farm. Guests are encouraged to interact with the animals and farmers as much as they like. The cows and goats need to be milked each day and eggs need to be collected. We have horseback riding lessons and trail rides as well as wagon rides and sleigh rides.

Over the years we have expanded our offerings in order to remain viable and to stay open all year long. We have developed ways to draw visitors through a variety of programs. Whether someone is coming for an all-inclusive resort vacation, a senior bus tour, a dance weekend, farm school or a business conference, everyone is encouraged to experience part of farm life.

3. You just started a new program called the Farm School Program. Could you tell us about it? What inspired you to start the program?

JM: East Hill Farm School gives middle school students, grades 5-8, with a meaningful, hands-on farm experience. Students will join the East Hill Farm farmers and naturalists for a 3-day program where students will play an integral role in running our farm.

On our 150 acres, we raise heritage breed cows, goats, sheep and pigs along with horses, chickens and other farm animals. Through our school program, students will help us run the farm, from milking the cows to fixing fences to helping manage the fields and surrounding woodlands. By caring for the animals and gaining a stronger appreciation for environmental stewardship, the farm will begin to feel like a home away from home. Schools can customize the program by choosing from a variety of workshops that best align with their curriculum or students’ interests.

4. What has been the response to the Farm School Program so far?

JM: We have had positive feedback from the schools that have visited us. The students enjoy working on the farm and learning about farm life. The students have participated in projects that have improved the farm, such as helping to create new signs for various barns and helping with seeding the fields.

5. Are there other programs like this at other farms that you know of?

JM: The Farm School in Athol, MA has a similar program. They have been providing farm-based education for children and adults for years. We continue to network with and learn from other farmers and programs and have recently joined the Farm-Based Education Association. www.farmbasededucation.org

6. Which of your programs would you recommend most to other farms looking to diversify?

JM: I think anything farmers can do to expand on educational opportunities is wonderful. There is a trend toward reconnecting with our food supply and eating locally-grown produce and meats. Building connections with local schools and organizations to provide food products and settings for place based education are also important. It is wonderful for students to participate in farm based education right at their local farms!

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