Agritourism Site Launched Online

[February 18, 2008]  URBANA -- A growing segment of Illinois' rural economy has a new information source, courtesy of University of Illinois Extension. The "Illinois Agritrourism" site, http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/agritourism/, was developed by John Pike, a U of I Extension community and economic development educator.

"Agritourism is a growing segment of the rural economy," he explained. "Many farm-based agritourism businesses attract customers directly to the farm gate today, and many more are being developed. These enterprises market a wide variety of produce, products and services to a wide variety of consumers."

Increasingly, Pike added, consumers often value the experience of visiting a farm or rural area as much as the merchandise they purchase along the way.

Pike defined agritourism as any business activity that brings the public to a farm or rural setting in an effort to market farm-raised or produced products or to enjoy related outdoor activities.

"Examples of agritourism include, but are not limited to, pumpkin patches, berry farms, orchards, wineries, corn mazes, bed and breakfasts, farm markets, and hunting clubs," he said.

The new online site includes information about resources available to those considering launching an agritourism enterprise and links to other helpful sites.

[Text from file received from the University of Illinois Extension]