When we think about agriculture careers, and the vast expanse of industry related roles, have you ever thought of working towards a dedicated agritourism career…?

Agritourism or farm tourism is a fast growing, important industry with growth expected to reach more than $18 billion in the next 5 years! Incredible.

Visitors interested in agritourism comprise of national, domestic and international travellers. Future growth is expected to be in the main through international demand with visitors from Asia, USA, UK, New Zealand accounting for well over half the international growth rate in this sector in Australia … 

Agritourism draws visitors to rural Australia giving them the opportunity to experience diverse features in farming and farming activities.

Experiences include  - farm tours and educational activities, farm to plate culinary experiences, fruit picking, wineries, breweries, farm gate sales, farm stays. These experiences can be accessed through organised day trips, or overnight farm stays.

There are several ways that established farms and farmers can include agritourism in their businesses…

Hosted farm stays & Accommodation – Friendly hosts provide home cooked meals made from farm produce and accommodation, or bed and breakfast, afternoon teas are also an option. Hosts may provide a continental breakfast package or a hot breakfast. They may also provide a basket of local specialties. Such as cheese and wine.  Accommodation for couples, families or groups such as students.

The visitors are given the opportunity to choose from and experience a range of farm activities. For example – horse riding, animal petting and feeding, wildlife, swimming, bushwalking, fishing, fruit picking, or generally helping on the farm.

Demonstrations of cattle mustering, whip cracking, boomerang throwing, campfires, or a sing along and so on, are also options.

Agritourism provides farmers, or aspiring farmers, with the opportunity to expand their knowledge.
To demonstrate the importance of agriculture and horticulture to the wider community.
To share their passion for farming – share experiences and farming methods.
To diversify their business and improve their incomes through farmgate sales, farm stays or day tours.
To run an urban farm that attracts visitors from the inner city as well as international visitors.

Currently there is a shortage of people working in the field of tourism generally in Australia but particularly as tour
guides. The government is currently looking overseas to draw labour to this industry. Opportunities here are boundless. Working on a farm stay operation does require knowledge and expertise.