By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania’s agritourism industry is providing farms with new ways to welcome visitors, generate additional income, and strengthen connections between agriculture and local communities.
A new report from the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development offers insight into how producers view the opportunities, challenges, and future of agritourism across the state.
The report, Insights on Agritourism Among Pennsylvania Producers, is based on responses from 201 Pennsylvania farms that participated in the 2024 National Agritourism Producer Survey.
Claudia Schmidt, Associate Professor of Marketing at Penn State Extension, and Sarah Cornelisse, Senior Extension Program Specialist at Penn State Extension, highlighted the importance of understanding farmers’ experiences as agritourism continues to develop.
Agriculture Census data show that 821 Pennsylvania farms reported income from agritourism and recreational activities in 2022, representing an 8% increase compared with 2017.
The survey provides additional detail about the types of farms and visitor experiences involved. Most participating operations were small or midsized. Approximately 55% produced livestock or animal products, while 53% grew fruits or vegetables.
Farm-based direct-to-consumer sales were the most widely reported agritourism activity, with 59% of respondents offering this experience. Educational opportunities, including farm tours and workshops, were reported by 52% of participating farms.
Despite the potential benefits, agritourism can require significant investment and does not guarantee immediate financial returns. About 37% of surveyed operators said their agritourism businesses either broke even or lost money in 2023.
Access to funding was identified as a leading concern, while operators also cited civil liability, retail regulations, building codes, and zoning requirements as challenges.
Pennsylvania’s Agritourism Activity Protection Act provides limited civil liability protection to eligible operators that meet specific requirements, including appropriate warning signs and written participant warnings.
However, nearly 70% of survey respondents said they were unsure whether the state had an agritourism liability law.
Looking ahead, operators expressed considerable optimism. Sixty-eight percent anticipated higher visitor numbers over the next five years, 67% expected improved profitability, and 60% planned to expand their agritourism offerings.
Financial assistance was the most requested form of support, selected by 71% of respondents. Producers also identified legal guidance, policy advocacy, technical assistance, marketing resources, and networking as valuable needs.
Penn State’s Agritourism Program plans to use these findings to develop practical resources and educational programs for Pennsylvania farms.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, General