🌾 What Is Agritourism? Florida's Growing Connection Between Farms & Fun

If you've ever picked strawberries at a farm, toured a citrus grove, or taken your kids to a corn maze in the fall — congratulations! You've participated in agritourism.

As Florida's local food and farming culture continues to grow, so does a unique opportunity to experience farms in a hands-on way. It's called agritourism, and it's helping farms stay profitable while giving families, schools, and tourists a direct connection to the land and the people who grow their food.

Let’s dig into what agritourism really is — and why it matters so much right now, especially here in the Sunshine State. 🌞

🚜 So, What Is Agritourism?

Agritourism is the intersection of agriculture and tourism — when a working farm or ranch opens its gates to the public for experiences, education, or entertainment.

It’s more than just visiting a farm — it’s about learning where your food comes from, connecting with nature, and supporting local agricultural businesses in fun and meaningful ways.

Florida law officially defines agritourism as “any activity consistent with a bona fide farm, livestock operation, or ranch” that allows the public to visit, learn, or participate — from hayrides to honey tastings.

🌴 Why Is Agritourism So Important in Florida?

Florida’s agriculture industry is one of the largest in the country — with over 47,000 farms across the state. But small and mid-sized farms often face pressure from development, supply chain instability, and market shifts.

Agritourism gives these farms another source of income while building deeper connections with their communities. Here's how it helps:

💵 Boosts Local Economies

When you visit a farm event, you’re not just buying tickets — you’re supporting local:

• Farms and growers
• Food producers and bakers
• Artisans and handmade crafters
• Local tourism and lodging businesses

That money stays in the community and circulates through small towns and rural counties that need it most.

👩‍🌾 Preserves Farming Culture

Agritourism keeps farms visible, relevant, and active. It helps younger generations see farming as a viable career and keeps land in production — not turned into subdivisions.

🌎 Encourages Food Education & Transparency

When you milk a goat, dig a sweet potato, or see how a pasture rotation works — you understand food in a whole new way. Agritourism makes food real, not just something from a store.

🎟️ What Counts as Agritourism? (You Might Be Surprised!)

Agritourism is anything that invites the public to interact with agriculture. Some popular Florida examples include:

• 🍊 U-Pick Farms (blueberries, strawberries, citrus, etc.)
• 🐄 Farm Tours (dairy farms, goat farms, sustainable growing)
• 🌻 Sunflower & Wildflower Fields
• 🎃 Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals
• 🧀 Cheese-Making Demos & Tastings
• 🥕 Farmers Markets & On-Farm Markets
• 🐖 Petting Zoos & Homestead Experiences
• 🚜 Hayrides, Corn Mazes, and Holiday Light Displays
• 🌱 Agricultural Workshops (beekeeping, soap-making, composting)
• 🏡 Farm Stays & Glamping Experiences

Many small farms also host private farm dinners, school field trips, and cottage food markets, which all fall under the umbrella of agritourism.

📍 Agritourism in Florida: A Year-Round Adventure

Thanks to Florida’s warm climate, agritourism can thrive year-round. While other states wrap up in the fall, Florida keeps going with winter citrus picking, spring flower festivals, and sunny outdoor farm events even in January.

Counties like:

• Lake, Polk, and Marion are hubs for farm trails and citrus tours
• Hernando and Alachua offer amazing fall festivals and small-town farm experiences
• Manatee and Sarasota have growing agritourism scenes combining food, art, and nature
• And Central Florida continues to be a major destination for U-pick, dairy tours, and farm-based markets

🛒 Why It Matters for Food Freedom & Farm Survival

Agritourism isn’t just entertainment — it’s a lifeline. In an era of disappearing farmland and social media burnout, agritourism offers a way for farmers to build loyal customer relationships, create real community, and stay on the land they love.

It also gives consumers a choice:
To support local instead of industrial.
To eat seasonally.
To raise kids who know how food is grown.
To value land not just for what it produces, but for what it teaches.

🌱 Want to Find Local Agritourism Events or List Your Own?

FarmPixie isn’t just for listing eggs and bread — it’s also a place to discover and promote local agritourism experiences! 🐓🍯

Whether you’re:

• A local farmer hosting U-pick days
• A ranch offering farm tours or meat shares
• A gardener running seasonal pop-ups
• Or a cottage kitchen holding a baking class…

You can list your offering for free and help Florida families connect to local food, land, and tradition.

🛒 Start exploring or listing today: www.FarmPixie.com
📍 Follow us for updates: facebook.com/FarmPixie

🧡 Final Thought:

Agritourism is where food freedom meets fun.
It’s how we save small farms, celebrate real food, and teach the next generation that farming still matters.

Next weekend, skip the screen — visit a farm instead.
 You’ll leave with full bags and a full heart. 🌾