Virginia Farm Operators Learn New Revenue Strategies Through Agritourism Conference

More than 50 agricultural producers gathered in Virginia Beach to explore agritourism opportunities that combine farming with tourism experiences. The conference focused on helping operators diversify their income while educating the public about food production and farm life.

VIRGINIA BEACH—Agricultural landowners and farmers across Virginia are exploring agritourism as a way to expand their business models, generating additional income while educating visitors about food and fiber production.

More than 50 farm operators attended the yearly Virginia Agritourism Conference in Virginia Beach on March 12, learning about current trends, obstacles, and business approaches. The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability organized the event, operating under the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation to assist agritourism businesses throughout the state.

Virginia Cooperative Extension agent Livvy Preisser from Isle of Wight County explained the concept: “When you marry the top two industries in Virginia—agriculture and tourism—you get agritourism.” She noted that “Agritourism is literally throughout the entire commonwealth and a huge economic booster. A bed-and-breakfast can be considered agritourism. So can trail rides, breweries and wineries, fall festivals, corn mazes, hayrides, you-pick or cut-your-own farms, stores and markets, and sometimes weddings depending on local zoning laws.”

Preisser observed that some business owners have shifted their perspective on traditional farming operations after exploring agritourism options.

“They may not want to drive the tractor, they may not want to feed livestock, but they may want to invite kids out and tell them how to grow food or where their food comes from,” Preisser explained. “That’s a big driver of why producers are turning to agritourism. It also allows you to market your farm products and to share your lifestyle!”

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services marketing specialist Ursula Tankard Deitch, who works on the Eastern Shore, emphasized the educational value of these ventures, noting that most Americans are now several generations removed from agricultural life.

“We need to educate everybody in our community on how important agriculture is, and agritourism is the step to do that with,” Deitch stated.

Deitch conducted interviews with agritourism business owners across Virginia to understand their commodity connections, successful strategies, and difficult experiences.

“Even though you have different commodities, you still have a lot of the same successes and challenges in an agritourism business,” Deitch observed. “Getting into agritourism, or any type of agriculture, you may want to go fast and go big. But it’s ideal to start small and work into it.”

Conference attendees also received information about utilizing local tourism networks to attract more guests, understanding liability issues, recent legislative changes from the Virginia General Assembly, and accessing financial support through VA FAIRS programs. The event wrapped up with visits to Cullipher Farms and Doodle Doo Farms in the area.

Additional resources are available through VA FAIRS at vafairs.com and Virginia Cooperative Extension’s agritourism resources at ext.vt.edu/agriculture/agritourism.