The Haven Mavens and our families live in a same small, tight-knit rural community. The kind of place where you walk into the local coffee shop for a quick americano, and bump into friends old and new -- as well as local journalists, municipal councilors and business people.
We believe that tourism is a powerful driver for economic development and we're always looking for opportunities to help others build their businesses in this exciting industry.
Earlier this month, we expanded our repertoire when Jen and Erika spoke about the benefits of agri-tourism at the North Grenville Rural Summit.
As a volunteer gig, Jen designed the Rural Summit logo. She was tickled pink to see her work blown up to this size. As a web designer first, seeing your work outside of pixels on a screen is pretty exciting.
Jen and Erika speaking to the benefits of agri-tourism
What the heck is agri-tourism?
Agri-tourism falls under the category of experiential tourism, which is really hot right now! Tourists are looking for experiences where they can escape the pressures of modern life, learn something new and have an adventure. They want an experience they can enjoy with their family and maybe reminisce about their own childhoods. Agri-tourism offers all that and more!
Stacey's girls at the Kilmarnock Apple Orchard, just one of the many local gems here in our region
As we dove into our research, we realized that we're surrounded by such destinations without even realizing they were considered agri-tourism. Think:
- Pick your own farms
- Seasonal festivals
- Farm vacations and bed & breakfasts
- Petting zoos
- Farm experiences (e.g. milking cows, shearing sheep)
- Workshops and classes
- Farm dinners/culinary events
Every time we go sugar-bushing or take a canning workshop, we're entering into agri-tourism territory.
A common sight in the spring around North Grenville are buckets strapped to maple trees.
Is agri-tourism worth it?
Agri-tourism ventures can provide important financial security to farmers. They can sustain families over off-season months and provide emergency funds for unforeseen events.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs:
Farm owners who have successfully integrated agri-tourism into their operations report that the transition has enhanced their lifestyle as well as their business.
This being said, it's important for farmers to do an honest self-assessment before launching into agri-tourism. A farm operator should assess whether they are willing to welcome the public onto their property (including the risks involved in opening their farm to visitors), and whether they have the capacity to essentially launch another business.
The neighbour Mavens pass this field nearly every day on our trips to and from town. Stacey frequently feels compelled to pull over and snap a shot of these gorgeous beasts.
Success Story
Landman Gardens & Bakery is a great example of agri-tourism at its finest. Located near Grand Valley Ontario (just north of Toronto!), the farm launched its popular Blackhouse dinners in 2017. The monthly farm-to-table meals are made from ingredients produced at the Landman family farm or sourced from local producers. We're talking homemade pickles, local cheese, hand breaded pork schnitzels and homemade carrot cake. The setting is equally appealing: a traditional Scottish-style stone house, which holds a long harvest table under twinkling fairy lights.
Rebecca Landman stands outside the black house, holding her delicious creations. Photo of Landman Gardens courtesy YorkDurhamHeadwaters - Ontario's Road Trip Destination
This successful agri-tourism destination also offers workshops and classes in the summer, as well as a farm store well stocked with pies and pastries, as well as preserves, dry soup mixes, granola and more.
Stay Tuned.
We've got 10 tips on starting an agri-tourism business with practical examples drawn from Erika's conversation with the good folks at Mountain Orchards. Not sure when you'll see that... it's gang busters over here in Mavens' headquarters with summer just around the corner.
The Haven Mavens are tourism industry insiders. We make a point to know all about all the latest trends, as we did when we attended the Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) annual conference.
