Agritourism in Western Australia
What is Agritourism and why should you consider an agritourism experience on your next holiday?
Agritourism links agriculture with tourism by attracting visitors to regional and rural Australia, or more briefly described by the recently formed WA Agritourism Association as ‘Where agriculture and tourism meet”". Australian Regional Tourism (ART) explains ‘'Agritourism is a type of experiential travel which connects people to produce or produce, delivered through a direct on farm experience.’' This leaves no doubt that this benefits both the producer, and the visitor.
Do you know where your food is coming from, or how the food is being produced? How long does it takes to get a crop to harvest, how many olives it takes to fill a bottle of oil, what months can you buy strawberries - all these questions and more will increase your own knowledge and feed the desire to learn more, appreciate the produce and the need to support farmers and producers.
Let’s explore this popular worldwide tourism experience, which is slowly emerging within Australia, opening farm gates for farmers and visitors alike.
Agritourism examples
Many of us have already experienced Agritourism, maybe without realising it. Think about your last rural visit, wine tasting, bought some potatoes on the side of the road, ate at a farm cafe, stayed in a cottage on a farm - these are all Agritourism experiences. Let’s break Agritourism activities down even further:-
Farm stays - including camp sites, tiny homes, farm cottages
Farm visits - including farming demonstrations, pick your own, farm walks, farm cafe, farm shop, roadside stall, cooking schools, educational experiences (including school visits) - any item that will attract visitors to a farm
Events - weddings, agricultural shows, food shows, sporting events ie mountain bike riding, horse shows
Farmers markets - local farmers as stall holders, showcasing regional and seasonal produce
Worldwide Agritourism regions include Tuscany (Italy), Vietnam, California (USA), Philippines, France to name a few.
Benefits to Farmers
We’ve heard the saying ‘'no farmers, no future’ which speaks volumes both for the farmer’s future, and for the future of our food source. Agritourism experiences encourages the benefits of low food miles, eating within seasons, educates and supporting local. Other benefits for farmers can include:-
Diversify and create additional income
Additional market for sales
Additional support and increasing demand for product
Networking and marketing opportunities
Agritourism experiences in Tasmania have been on offer for over 10 years and are growing in popularity. Western Australia has a wide selection of Agritourism experiences which are mainly promoted in the general tourism genre including Providore (Margaret River), Chestnut Brae (Nannup, Southern Forests), Willie Creek Pearls (Broome), Glenarty Road (Karridale), Quobba Station (Coral Coast, Canarvon) - just some fine examples of what is on offer around Western Australia.
Our next blog will go more in depth into the Agritourism experiences available whilst on tour with Forages Safaris.
To keep ahead with information on WA Agritourism, or if you are farmer wanting to diversify, please sign up to receive regular newsletters and information with the Western Australia Agritourism Association (WAAA).
Join Forage Safaris on our seasonal, bespoke food and farm tours to explore the South West of Western Australia, giving you the opportunity to reconnect with the land and meet the producers. Forage for gourmet food and provisions as we highlight the paddock to plate fusion.
NOTE: this blog is written in my own words and thoughts to introduce Agritourism - Jan Stewart.