Next big tourist attraction: Vacations on the farm

Corridor family farms have a new potential revenue stream: tourists. The LSU AgCenter hosted a seminar earlier this month on how farmers can earn extra income by opening their farms and ranches to tourists. Dora Ann Hatch, LSU AgCenter rural community development agent, says agritourism is a well-established industry in Europe, and the United States market is just getting started. People are paying to stay overnight on a farm and help with the chores, just to find out what is involved in agriculture. Accommodations range from plush to rustic. “People today want to have an experience when they are on vacation,” Hatch says. “People like to get away from their hectic lifestyles.” Rice farmers in Arkansas have provided birdwatchers and photographers with blinds to view birds, and roadside fruit and vegetable stands, Christmas tree farms and fishing also pose opportunities. One pumpkin farmer in Louisiana who only opened his business to visitors for six weeks made $24,000. Visitors apparently also want to buy items from a farm — and not just the canned okra and honey. Hats, bandannas and T-shirts have proven to be big sellers, Hatch says. Farmers must go through limited liability law and certification processes to identify potential risks and steps that can be taken to prevent accidents and protect against lawsuits. Operations can be certified through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Hal Moser, tourism manager for the Houma Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the potential in his area for agritourism is huge with seafood and sugarcane producers. “There’s so much we can do,” he says. “I think it’s definitely worth our while.” For more information about agritourism opportunities, click here.