Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Agritourism: Accessibility and

Profitability

Stephen J. Swain, ATP

National AgrAbility Project/Indiana AgrAbility Project

Breaking New Ground Resource Center, Purdue University

Overview

• What is agritourism?

• Should I start an agritourism enterprise?

• Liability issues

• Accessibility of the enterprise

• Resources

• QuestionsPurdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Resources Used

• Extension Training for Agritourism Enterprises - NESARE

• eXtension – Agritourism

• Marshfield Clinic, National Children’s Center, Agritourism

• AgMARC – Agricultural Marketing Resource Center - Agritourism

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Agritourism

Also called agritainment, agricultural tourism, agritourism or farm tourism. An activity, enterprise or business that combines primary elements and characteristics of agriculture and tourism and provides an experience for visitors that stimulates economic activity and impacts both farm and community income (eXtension).

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Examples of Agritourism

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

What Should I do?• What do you like to do?• What do you not like to do?• What resources are available?

– Skills and abilities– Family– Land– Financial

• What are the risks?• What are your revenue goals?

Business Planning/Feasibility

• Target audience – Demographics

• What is the demand? Create it?

• Who is your competition?

• What are they doing right and wrong?

• Is there room for another competitor?

• How will you be different?

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Financials – Added Income

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Financials – Added Costs

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Financials - Breakeven

• How much time will it take? What is your time worth?

• Does it conflict with other farming chores? Is it worth the hassle?

• How many visitors do you need to cover added expenses and pay yourself a decent wage?

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Liability• DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT

INSURANCE – property and business

• Legal protections – different with each state

• Farm organization – LLC, Corp., Sole Proprietor

• What do you do in an emergency? Have a plan and post where it can be seen

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Liability

• Remember ages and abilities especially for children

• Children will wander where ever they can

• There are safety strategies for each age group (Marshfield Clinic)

• Post all plans and document everythingPurdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Accessibility

• ADA Guidelines can be applied to agritourism sites also.

• Consider all disabilities – mobility, vision, hearing

• Pathways, slopes, door width, door handles, ramps, colors, wagons

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Accessibility• Pathways – 3-4 feet wide, level, firm• Ramps – 1 inch rise per 12 inches of run• Doors – at least 32 inches w/lever

handles• Restrooms – at least one access. toilet.• Designated Parking – 1 access. Per 25

total

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Resources• Extension Training for Agritourism

Development: http://agritourism.rutgers.edu/training

• National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety – Agritourism: http://www3.marshfieldclinic.org/nccrahs/default.aspx?page=nccrahs_ag_tourism

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Questions

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.