In recent years, a growing trend has been sweeping across rural landscapes and urban travellers alike: agro-tourism. This dynamic blend of agriculture and tourism is not only revitalising rural economies, but also offering urban dwellers a unique escape from their concrete jungles. Agro-tourism, allows visitors to experience life on a farm, engage in agricultural activities, and gain a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from. 

Activities can range from picking fruits and vegetables and enjoying farm-to-table meals, to staying in farm accommodations and learning about sustainable farming practices. This form of tourism bridges the gap between urban and rural, offering educational, recreational, and sometimes therapeutic experiences.

But one can’t help but wonder why more and more farmers are opening up their farms to tourists.  The lack of decent income for farmers and unfair market competition (leading to a 24.8% decrease in farms from 2010-2020), has pushed lots of farmers to try to diversify their incomes. Indeed, agro-tourism is a great way of securing a separate source of income that can really make a difference. 

Why is agro-tourism a great idea for your summer holiday?

Sustainability and Eco-Tourism Trends: With increasing awareness of environmental issues, many travellers seek out sustainable and eco-friendly tourism options. Agro-tourism often promotes sustainable farming practices and educates visitors about local ecosystems.

Support for Local Economies: Agro-tourism provides a vital source of income for farmers, helping to sustain and grow local economies. It encourages the preservation of rural landscapes and farming traditions.

Educational Opportunities: Schools and families use agro-tourism as a way to educate children and adults about agriculture, food production, and environmental stewardship.

Health and Wellness: Many agro-tourism activities, such as farm stays and nature walks, offer therapeutic benefits. They provide a peaceful retreat from the stresses of modern life, promoting mental and physical well-being.

Collaboration and Networking: Collaboration among farmers, tourism operators, and local governments can enhance the overall agro-tourism experience. Networks and associations can provide support, share best practices, and promote regional agro-tourism initiatives.

Agro-tourism is more than just a trend; it is a movement that reconnects people with the land and their food sources. By offering authentic, educational, and sustainable experiences, agro-tourism enriches the lives of both visitors and hosts. As it continues to grow, it holds the potential to foster a deeper appreciation for agriculture, support rural economies, and promote environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a farmer looking to diversify your income or a traveller seeking a meaningful escape, agro-tourism opens the door to a world of rich, rewarding experiences.

So who is planning a road trip to visit all of their CrowdFarming adoptions this summer? 

CrowdFarming has released a new feature that allows you to see on a map where all of your adoptions are located!  If you want to see exactly where they are in order to organise the best route for your summer holiday, all you have to do is go to your garden in the user account and switch to the map view. By clicking on each one, you’ll go straight to the adoption detail.

If you have an adoption at CrowdFarming you are automatically entitled to visit your adoption on the farm, whenever you like! So now that the summer days are here, why not organise a fun agro-tourism road trip!