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Thursday, January 05, 2012

Agri-tourism shows promise for local economies as more farmers show interest

Farmers across the country are hoping agri-tourism, or the combination of locally grown food and lodging or entertainment, will bring in visitors and help boost local economies. The Associated Press reports farms from Idaho to Virginia are attempting to bring in customers by making farms a tourist destination.

Some Virginia farmers hope legislation to help agri-tourism operations will pass into law, AP reports. In Arkansas, some are using agri-tourism to reverse the decline of small- and medium-sized farms. A fourth-generation rancher in Montana is trying to turn traditional farm work, like chopping wood, feeding chickens and herding cattle into a vacation. In Idaho, bed and breakfasts are drawing people in from neighboring states with locally produced wine.

The Idaho Division of Tourism is developing year-round culinary events and deals and in 2013 will launch several measures promoting agri-tourism, like an online scenic byways web page that will show where local restaurants, hotels, you-pick farms and farmers markets are located. (Read more)

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