The latest Census of Agriculture from the USDA, conducted in 2022, is beginning to reveal hard data on the benefits of agritourism for family farms. The numbers confirm what many farmers have experienced firsthand diversifying into agritourism is helping sustain their operations amid economic challenges. From farm stays to U-pick experiences, agritourism is providing a much-needed financial boost while strengthening the connection between farmers and their communities. As more data emerges, it’s clear that this growing sector is becoming a lifeline for many family farms.
One of the ag experts who has been watching this trend very closely is Audrey Comerford of Oregon State University. She breaks down some of the data to show how much agritourism has changed since the last Census of Agriculture in 2017.
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, agritourism generated $1.26 billion in revenue, marking a 12% increase from previous years. This growth highlights the rising demand for on-farm experiences as more consumers seek connections to agriculture. For many family farms, this additional revenue stream is proving essential for long-term sustainability. The census also shows that 57% of U.S. counties reported some form of agritourism.
The data is also showing that many of these agritourism businesses are being led by women in agriculture. It shows that this may be a strong place for women to make their mark on the industry which usually is predominately male.
We are also learning more about the customer bases of these agritourism businesses.
So, what constitutes an operation as an agritourism business? Comerford explains that definition.
She talks about just some of the large variety of ideas near her own home that have sprung up in the last few years. The sky is the limit when it comes to the variety of businesses out there.
You don’t have to look far to see these kinds of businesses or opportunities in your area. All it takes is a little ingenuity and hard work to find a niche in which your family operation can fit into the future.
*Data courtesy of the USDA 2022 Census of Agriculture and the USDA Radio Service.
