Agritourism

Agriculture and Nature Tourism is widespread in America and in many instances the driving force to a community's prosperity. It is business conducted by farmers or ranchers on their working agricultural, horticultural, or agribusiness operation and brings much enjoyment and education to the many people that visit them. Each year many visitors reap the benefits of entertainment, recreation, participation, and education as they flock to farms and ranches in nearby areas. People who live in urban areas want to know where their food is grown and locals want to support neighboring farms.

There are many successful agritourism operations here in our counties including;

apple ranches
"choose n' cut" Christmas tree farms
olive oil producers
vineyards and wineries.

These businesses know the value of sharing their farms and ranches with the public in order to educate people about the importance of agriculture in California.

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources division publishes several workbooks to help new businesses get started and advise potential farmers and ranchers about land use, startup costs, and best practices. See the UC Small Farm Program website for more information.

University of California Website Resources

Agritourism Enterprises on Your Farm or Ranch: Understanding Regulations: Agritourism can be a great boon to the California grower, but you have to be aware of your legal responsibilities, get your permits, and follow the rules regarding land use, zoning, public health, and other areas. This gives you a brief overview.
Agritourism Enterprises on Your Farm or Ranch: Where to Start: This publication gives you a game plan for navigating the maze of permits, plans, and approvals you will need to get in order before you launch a potentially profitable agritourism enterprise on your California farm or ranch.
Marketing Strategies for Agritourism Operations: Agritourism gives the farmer a broad choice of opportunities to market products, on-farm experiences, and hospitality services. This publication will help you assess your options and work out a solid plan for marketing your agritourism operation.
Planning a U-Pick Operation on Your California Farm: University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
(UC SAREP)

Local Farms

These Farming brochures are used by local farming communities as countywide marketing and education programs to assist local agricultural producers to market their products and generate agritourism in their local counties.

Christmas Tree Farms

Farmers Markets in your area

UC ANR Publications

Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California, Second Edition

Please use Promo Code PRTUM55 if ordering online. This will insure that your funds stay within the UCCE Central Sierra.