Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Agritourism: Accessibility and Profitability Stephen J. Swain, ATP National AgrAbility Project/Indiana AgrAbility Project Breaking New Ground Resource Center, Purdue University

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AgrAbility: USDA-sponsored program that assists farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities. – Partners land grant universities with disability services organizations. Currently 20 state projects – National AgrAbility Project: Led by Purdue’s Breaking New Ground Resource Center. Partners include: Goodwill of the Finger Lakes The Arthritis Foundation, Heartland Region University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Colorado State University – More information available at

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Agritourism: Accessibility and Profitability Stephen J. Swain, ATP National AgrAbility Project/Indiana AgrAbility Project Breaking New Ground Resource Center, Purdue University

Overview What is agritourism? Should I start an agritourism enterprise? Liability issues Accessibility of the enterprise Resources Questions Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Resources Used Extension Training for Agritourism Enterprises - NESARE eXtension – Agritourism Marshfield Clinic, National Children’s Center, Agritourism AgMARC – Agricultural Marketing Resource Center - Agritourism Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Agritourism Also called agritainment, agricultural tourism, agritourism or farm tourism. An activity, enterprise or business that combines primary elements and characteristics of agriculture and tourism and provides an experience for visitors that stimulates economic activity and impacts both farm and community income (eXtension). Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Examples of Agritourism Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze Farm Market U-Pick Petting Zoo Fishing CSA Farm tours Hunting Winery Cut your own Christmas trees Hay rides Haunted barns Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

What Should I do? What do you like to do? What do you not like to do? What resources are available? –Skills and abilities –Family –Land –Financial What are the risks? What are your revenue goals?

Business Planning/Feasibility Target audience – Demographics What is the demand? Create it? Who is your competition? What are they doing right and wrong? Is there room for another competitor? How will you be different? Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Financials – Added Income –Admission fee –Sales of fresh farm products –Sales of processed or value-added products –Activity fee –Facility rental –Show fee –Food service –Craft/souvenir sales –Tasting fee –Farm lodging Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Financials – Added Costs –Buildings –Utilities –Fencing –Permits –Insurance –Signage –Restroom facilities –Hand washing station –Improved lighting –Parking –Staffing –Marketing –Staff apparel Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Financials - Breakeven How much time will it take? What is your time worth? Does it conflict with other farming chores? Is it worth the hassle? How many visitors do you need to cover added expenses and pay yourself a decent wage? Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Liability DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT INSURANCE – property and business Legal protections – different with each state Farm organization – LLC, Corp., Sole Proprietor What do you do in an emergency? Have a plan and post where it can be seen Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Liability Remember ages and abilities especially for children Children will wander where ever they can There are safety strategies for each age group (Marshfield Clinic) Post all plans and document everything Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Accessibility ADA Guidelines can be applied to agritourism sites also. Consider all disabilities – mobility, vision, hearing Pathways, slopes, door width, door handles, ramps, colors, wagons Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Accessibility Pathways – 3-4 feet wide, level, firm Ramps – 1 inch rise per 12 inches of run Doors – at least 32 inches w/lever handles Restrooms – at least one access. toilet. Designated Parking – 1 access. Per 25 total Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Resources Extension Training for Agritourism Development: National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety – Agritourism: /default.aspx?page=nccrahs_ag_touris m /default.aspx?page=nccrahs_ag_touris m Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Questions Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.