Agritourism Thrives in New York’s Finger Lakes Region

News Summary

New York’s Finger Lakes region is experiencing a significant rise in agritourism, generating approximately $55 million annually. The area boasts over 30,000 farms and offers various activities for visitors, including farm tours and corn mazes. Local initiatives promote sustainable practices while enhancing community engagement. Despite a 5% decrease in farmland due to non-agricultural conversion, agritourism continues to provide an economic boost and fosters appreciation for rural life. State representatives are advocating for measures to protect agriculture amidst challenges like climate change and land allocation for solar energy.

New York is witnessing a significant surge in agritourism, particularly in the Finger Lakes region, which has become a major attraction for both locals and visitors seeking authentic farm experiences. The agritourism sector generates approximately $55 million annually, benefitting local economies while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

With over 30,000 farms statewide, New York has embraced agritourism as a means to enhance income for farmers and engage the community. The Finger Lakes, known for its natural beauty and accessibility via major highways, is now a key player in this growing business. Agritourism activities in this region include farm stands, livestock tours, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches, all of which invite the public to experience rural life firsthand.

For instance, Mark Gilbride operates Lazy Acre Alpacas in Bloomfield, Ontario County, where visitors can tour the farm and interact with alpacas. This has become especially popular among city-dwellers looking for a rural retreat. Similarly, Mike Schaertl runs a unique reindeer farm in Shortsville, which has become a festive destination, especially during the holiday season. Originally a personal project, the reindeer farm evolved into a productive agritourism venture, attracting visitors seeking to learn more about reindeer and rural life.

Adding to this narrative is Billsboro Winery, located on a scenic 60 acres overlooking Seneca Lake. Established in 2000, the winery specializes in European-style wines and emphasizes sustainability and community engagement. Under the stewardship of its owners, Kim and Vinny Aliperti, the winery offers tasting sessions that enhance visitors’ experiences while contributing to the agritourism landscape.

Agritourism in the Finger Lakes region has not only provided an economic boost but has also fostered a sense of community engagement and appreciation for the agricultural lifestyle. In 2022, agricultural sales in the region surpassed $2.3 billion, leading New York state in farm sales. Since 2012, there has been a remarkable 78% increase in farm income attributed to agritourism and recreational activities.

However, the agritourism boom comes amid challenges in the Finger Lakes. Despite the recent growth in revenue, farmland in the area has decreased by 5% between 2017 and 2022 as some agricultural land is converted for non-agricultural uses. Concerns are also rising over 1,728 acres of farmland allocated for solar electric generation, which poses questions about future agricultural viability in the region.

Additionally, issues such as climate change and unpredictable weather patterns further complicate the agricultural landscape. These changes impact not only crop yields but also the overall sustainability of farming practices in the Finger Lakes. To address these concerns, state representatives, including New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, have highlighted the need for evolving state programs aimed at protecting and sustaining agricultural practices amidst increasing uncertainty.

As agritourism continues to grow, events such as the one hosted by Schaertl on June 3 will promote the benefits of agritourism to the local economy and strengthen the community’s connection to its agricultural roots. This burgeoning trend reflects a broader movement towards sustainable farming practices while enhancing visitors’ appreciation of rural lifestyles in New York’s Finger Lakes region.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Spectrum Local News: Agritourism in Upstate New York
• Wikipedia: Agritourism
• PenLive: Finger Lakes Wineries
• Google Search: Finger Lakes Agritourism
• Finger Lakes 1: Agricultural Sales Challenges
• Google Scholar: Agritourism in Finger Lakes
• Finger Lakes Daily News: Tourism Rebounding Post-Pandemic
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Agriculture
• Farm Progress: Farm Business Insights
• Google News: Agritourism Trends