Agritourism is the adventure of learning, tasting and experiencing the origins of food. Wisconsin’s farmers, ranchers and producers do it well, showcasing the state’s diversity through tours, farm stays, farm-to-table dining and more.
Sheila Everhart, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association shares more on fall agritourism, Wisconsin Agritourism Week, and what their role is in supporting Wisconsin agritourism destinations.
Fall agritourism is right around the corner. You can pick sunflowers, go on hay wagon rides, and in less than 100 days, pumpkin patches and apple orchards will be ready for visitors.
The Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association has a new website where you can type in where you are located and it will pull up agritourism destinations within your designated mile radius. They also are utilizing social media more through their facebook page, Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association, and QR codes to help connect people to agriculture.
“Wisconsin is America’s agricultural tourism destination,” says Everhart. “The average citizen is 500 miles from the Wisconsin border. That means it’s a short 6-7 hour trip to come see the beauty that Wisconsin has to offer.”
September 22 – October 2,2022 is proclaimed the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Week. If you love ice cream, caramel apples or apple cider donuts, find that local farmer because they are ready for you.
The Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association is putting on a nationwide webinar so other states can learn about the great things that Wisconsin is doing. They also have several members traveling to Vermont for an International tourism conference in order to continue to share why Wisconsin has become America’s agricultural tourism destination.
Everhart adds, “Most farmers are 60+ years old today. But what’s exciting is that the next generation is starting to take over the farms. They need the opportunity to diversify their income so agritourism is a great way for them to invite guests to their farm and do just that.”
With the average consumer being five generations removed from the farm, it is important to teach children where their food comes from and all about what agritourism has to offer.
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