AgriTourism

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AgriTourism

• Presented by
• Brant E. Bickel
• PA Dept. of Agriculture
• Division of Economic Development and Agritourism
• brbickel_at_state.pa.us

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What is Agritourism?

• Business conducted by farmers on their working
  operation for the enjoyment and education of
  visitors
• Farm Market
• Corn Maze
• Pick-Your-Own Operation
• Bed and Breakfast
• Winery Tasting Room

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Agritourism is also.

• Business rooted in agriculture that depends upon
  and promotes tourism
• Fairs
• Rural Life and Farm Museums
• Horse Racing

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Agritourism

• Called agritourismo in Italy, and sleeping in
  the straw in Switzerland, agritourism is well
  established in Europe, New Zealand, and
  Australia. In the US, there is growing interest
  in the rural life experience.

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Why Agritourism?

• Although agritourism is a booming industry,
  agriculture is not.
• Only 1 of Pennsylvanians farm today.
• Yet, agribusiness is the top industry in the
  Commonwealth
• Increasing farm income preserves family farms and
  the rural economy
• Did you know that PA ranks 2nd in the nation in
  direct sales to consumers?, Hmm

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Tourism

• A leading economic engine for most states, ranks
  2nd in PA.
• 7 million people visit PA fairs annually

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Package the Agritourism experience

• Cross promotion between partners
• Fairs
• Rural Life and Farm Museums
• Horse Racing
• Farm Market
• Corn Maze
• Pick-Your-Own Operation
• Bed and Breakfast
• Winery Tasting Room
• Hotel Chain

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Go tell it on the mountian

• Use existing media
• web site links
• brochures
• tourism guides
• special events
• stationary
• radio, print, tv
• outdoor

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Introducing.. The Blue Ribbon Passport

• A partnership between, the PA State Association
  of County Fairs, PA Department of Agriculture,
  and PA Tourism Office.

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• Eastern PA Project
• Along Rt. 78 Schuylkill, Berks and Lehigh
  Counties
• 7 Fairs
• 3 Farmers Markets
• 2 Wineries
• Choice Hotels
• Cabelas

• Western PA Project
• Along Rt. 79 from Greene to Erie Counties
• 13 Fairs
• 6 Farm Markets
• 5 Wineries
• 4 Farm Stay BBs
• Meadows Race Track
• Meadowcroft Rural Life Museum
• Choice Hotels

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For more information on PA Agritourism.

• Contact
• Brant Bickel
• Division Chief
• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
• Economic Development Agritourism- Fairs
• 717-787-5342
• BrBickel_at_state.pa.us