News Summary
Agritourism in New York is witnessing remarkable growth, with over 30,000 farms contributing to an annual revenue of $55 million. The Finger Lakes region emerges as a key destination, offering diverse activities such as corn mazes and livestock tours. Farms like Lazy Acre Alpacas and DuBois Farms diversify their offerings to attract urban visitors. Challenges persist with urban migration affecting local agriculture. Nonetheless, agritourism continues to enhance local economies, with ongoing promotional efforts to further boost this sector.
New York is experiencing a significant surge in agritourism, with over 30,000 farms in the state capitalizing on this trend to enhance their income. Agritourism now generates approximately $55 million annually for New York’s agricultural sector, reflecting a robust and growing interest from tourists seeking unique experiences in rural settings.
Many of these agritourism businesses are concentrated in the picturesque Finger Lakes region, which has become a popular destination due to its natural beauty and diverse agricultural offerings. Farm activities are diverse, ranging from farm stands selling fresh produce to engaging adventures like corn mazes and livestock tours.
One notable farm is Lazy Acre Alpacas in Bloomfield, Ontario County, where alpaca farming has attracted urban visitors for about 15 years. This farm provides guided tours that enable city dwellers to learn about alpacas and their care. Additionally, a reindeer farm in Shortsville, initiated by an individual intending to keep these animals as pets, has transformed into an educational attraction for families. The farm aims to inform visitors, especially children, about the distinction between Santa’s reindeer and their operational herd.
On June 3, agritourism advocates will gather for a promotional event to highlight the benefits of agritourism in the area. The event is part of broader efforts to showcase the sector’s value in enhancing local economies while enriching visitor experiences.
DuBois Farms, also situated in the Hudson Valley, grows 11 acres of apples and conducts educational school field trips that illuminate the principles of agriculture. This farm hosts seasonal events, including a Strawberry Festival in June and pumpkin picking in the fall, attracting families and school groups alike. Visitors can enjoy local beverages at the Tavern and indulge in baked goods and ice cream at the Café & Bakery.
While agritourism flourishes, it is not without challenges. There is increasing development pressure on Hudson Valley farms due to urban migration from city residents seeking rural homes. This shift presents a complex situation for local agriculture, necessitating innovative solutions to maintain farm viability.
Richard Greco Jr.’s Beardslee Homestead is another example of sustainable agritourism, focusing on sustainable farming practices, including hops cultivation and liqueur production. The Hudson Valley is a renowned tourism hotspot, with agritourism playing a vital role in the local economy, which was valued at $4.7 billion. In Dutchess County alone, tourists spent $601 million in 2017, with food and beverage spending accounting for $154 million.
Agritourism presents farmers with valuable direct marketing opportunities and creates educational and social experiences for tourists. Angry Orchard in Walden operates as both an orchard and a tourist destination, offering tastings and educational tours about cider production. Similarly, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery has become a vibrant venue for events and live music, appealing to diverse audiences.
Social media and word-of-mouth have emerged as crucial marketing strategies for agritourism businesses, enhancing customer engagement and attracting visitors. Additionally, the trend of ‘glamping’—an upscale camping experience—has gained traction, appealing to urban dwellers who are eager for a connection with nature while enjoying modern comforts.
Efforts to expand agritourism will continue, with a focus on targeting markets within a five-hour radius of the Hudson Valley. This strategy could potentially reach over 55 million people, offering opportunities for growth and sustained interest in the agriculture industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Spectrum Local News: Agritourism a Growing Business in Upstate New York
- Lancaster Farming: DuBois Farms Thrives Because of Urban Growth
- New York Upstate: No. 1 Pick Apple Orchard in Upstate NY Voted Best in the US
- I Love NY: Farm Tours
- Hudson Valley Magazine: Agritourism Grows to New Heights
- Wikipedia: Agritourism
- Google Search: Agritourism New York
- Google Scholar: Agritourism New York
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Agritourism
- Google News: Agritourism New York
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
