2024 Agritourism Summit and Pre-Event Farm Tour
May 7 & 8
This one-of-a-kind event featured educational sessions and networking opportunities, including the sharing of information and best practices from a variety of sectors—farmers, municipal officials, agritourism businesses and other community leaders with an interest in rural entrepreneurship and economic development—while cultivating ongoing communication for the benefit of all.
What is agritourism?
Agritourism encompasses entertainment and leisure experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, strong family values and quality of life. Agritourism also focuses on finding the best route to encourage rural and regional economic development while preserving the landscape of each location. Agritourism cultivates strong local communities by connecting the tradition and heritage of area’s inhabitants with the best options for economic growth.
Who is agritourism?
Breweries -- Christmas Tree Farms -- Cideries -- Corn Mazes -- Creameries -- Distilleries -- Farm Markets -- Farm Stay -- Farm-to-Table Restaurants -- Festivals & Events -- Harvest Dinner -- Hayrides -- Living History Farms -- Maple Sugaring -- Meaderies -- Pumpkin Patches -- Wineries -- U-Pick Orchards & Farms
Opportunities and Challenges
Agritourism is a proven benefit for small farm viability. Agritourism may produce conflicts between local residents and farm-based enterprises in agricultural districts. Local government can address agritourism opportunities and protection of health, welfare and safety of local residents through balanced local zoning. Agritourism can be a positive revenue tool or intensive and destructive of rural character. These trends are colliding and threatening the economy and culture of rural Michigan.
We do a better job at preserving farmland, than preserving farmers. Don Coe, Former Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner
Two large, mature industries overlap & conflict with many rural life expectations.
Tourism contributed $3.1 billion to the state in 2022* and agriculture generates nearly $105 billion annually**, yet Michigan farmers are still struggling financially. These two industries both drive revenue and provide jobs for the state, but we must find the right balance between helping farmers thrive and bolstering local economic development, while preserving our rural and agricultural character.
Combining agriculture and tourism on a single farm property provides significant economic opportunity for both the farmer and the local municipality. This collaborative summit aims to plant seeds for future growth which can create a resilient, sustainable and more viable agritourism industry for generations to come.
*MichiganBusiness.org | “Michigan’s Tourism, Hospitality Industries Underscore Importance of Being Welcoming to All at Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism.”
**Michigan.gov | “Michigan Agriculture Facts and Figures”
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