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FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky farmers are looking for new ways to make money on the farm. Kentucky families are looking for places where they can go for some fun and fresh air that aren’t so far away that they have to spend the ice cream money on gasoline.
Farmers and tourists alike are finding what they’re looking for in the form of Agritourism. In September 2004, Governor Fletcher proclaimed September as “Agritourism Month” in Kentucky. This proclamation helped to recognize and draw attention to the mutually beneficial and historic relationship between two of the Commonwealth’s most important businesses, agriculture and tourism.
Although Kentucky’s horse breeding farms have long been a staple of the state’s tourism industry, Kentucky has a wealth of other Agritourism destinations that are open for visitors. Kentucky’s Agritourism industry offers corn mazes, petting zoos, homemade ice cream, educational opportunities for children, Kentucky Proud foods, horseback riding, bed and breakfasts, farm tours, pumpkin patches, U-pick operations, wine tasting and many other attractions.
Economists have determined that every dollar that goes to a farmer generates another dollar in economic activity. Through Agritourism, the state’s farmers hope to strengthen their local economies, attract new residents and customers, and generate numerous direct marketing opportunities to demonstrate the viability of their farm operations.
“Kentucky has more than 200 Kentucky Proud Agritourism destinations where visitors can enjoy a day on the farm – and maybe even get their hands dirty,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. ”For farmers, Agritourism provides another source of income off the land, but it also gives them a chance to show people how a farm operation works and where their food and fiber come from.”
Kelly Ludwig is leading the way to study Kentucky’s fledgling Agritourism industry and develop an overall marketing strategy. Ludwig started in February as director of the State Office of Agritourism.
“Agritourism provides opportunities for both farmers and travelers,” Ludwig said. “My job is to help our Agritourism destinations market themselves so that tourists will be inspired to stop and stay.”
Many Kentucky farmers have called Ludwig to talk about Agritourism opportunities as tobacco income has declined in recent years.
Ludwig is heading the effort to conduct an Agritourism survey that will be used to create an inventory of all Kentucky Agritourism businesses and determine the economic impact of Agritourism in the Commonwealth. Data from the study will be used to develop a statewide master plan to address Agritourism issues and market Agritourism locally, nationally and internationally. She also works one-on-one with individual operations to address issues such as liability insurance, zoning and signage as well as marketing.
While the effort to develop a statewide marketing strategy is underway, regional organizations are forming throughout the state to market Agritourism in their respective areas.
The tourism and travel industry contributed billions of dollars to Kentucky’s economy last year. Nature and agriculture-based tourism is the fastest-growing segment of the tourism industry, according to a white paper developed by the Kentucky Agritourism Working Group. The white paper states that more Americans participate in outdoor recreation than own a pet, tend a garden and attend professional sporting events combined.
“Kentucky has always had an abundance of beauty, heritage and recreational opportunities to offer its residents as well as visitors. Recognizing and focusing on this market in our partnership with Agriculture is simply another step to increasing the economic impact tourism has on our Commonwealth and to creating new jobs for Kentuckians,” Commissioner of Tourism Randy Fiveash stated.
The Office of Agritourism is a joint effort of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Department of Tourism. The office and a state Agritourism Advisory Council were established by legislation in the 2002 General Assembly. Ludwig’s position and the marketing study are funded by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board.
For more information on Agritourism, contact Kelly Ludwig at (502) 564-4983 or visit the Kentucky Department of Tourism’s Web site at www.kentuckytourism.com to see a list of Agritourism events and festivals throughout the Commonwealth.
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