AGRITOURISM: BOON OR BANE TO CALIFORNIA FARMERS?
For many family farms in California, survival in the 21st century depends on developing new sources of revenue. Proponents of agritourism say that by opening the State to this industry, much needed dollars will flow into our rural areas. Yet farmers, agricultural groups and others are not so sure the potential income is worth the risk.
That is why the California State Grange, a rural advocacy organization, is seeking to form a focus group to investigate the advantages and liabilities to opening some of our most rustic and scenic areas, such as that which borders our levy systems, to agritourism using public funds. The focus group should consist of farmers and ranchers, environmentalists, local and State planners, and the tourist industry.
Since the verdict is not yet in, the Grange is supporting SB 669 (Torlakson, Contra Costa) which provides for grants to localities to plan recreational corridors. The bill does not specify where the money would be used, it is only a funding mechanism for yet to be approved recreational projects. If the consensus on agritourism is that it is a sound investment, a seed will already have been sown.
So what is “agritourism?” Already a booming industry in Europe, and to a lesser degree in areas of California like the Central Coast, agritourism has helped many family farmers survive and prosper.
Agritourism began in Europe during the 1970s, a time of rapid urban growth and falling crop prices, and has become an important survival tool for family farmers. As proponents point out, European farmers have profited by inviting city dwellers to spend a week or two at the family farm. Besides cash income from providing accommodations, food and drink, additional revenues are generated from the sale of wines, cheeses, canned goods, and other foods that visitors take back to their homes. Even when bad weather reduces crop yields, agritourism provides farmers a steady cash flow.
Agritourism, and its close cousin, nature tourism, are the fastest growing segments of the overall tourist industry in the USA. The late 20th century exodus from rural America removed the last links most Americans had with farming. No longer does a grandparent or relative own a farm that can be visited to provide that connection to the land that so many of us desire.
Agritourism operations can vary from a modest campground to resorts with amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and first class dining. Agritourism can appeal to a broad clientele, or focus on particular markets, such as families, fishermen, birdwatchers, and others.
Opponents are quick to point out the problems inherent in inviting the public into areas bordering the farm. There is the negative impacts on safety, infrastructure costs, and disruption of the tranquility in rural communities. There is the liability of people coming onto the farm, be it merely to see the sights, or for more devious purposes such as theft of crops and equipment.
The Grange believes a priority of the focus group should be confirming or rejecting the idea of linking and using the levee system as a recreational venue. The levee-floodway system of the central valley passes through some of the most beautiful riparian habitat in the state and is a natural asset for tourism that currently lies dormant.
According to the planners of the proposal, it envisions delivering tourists to their destinations using non polluting methods of transportation, including hiking, bicycling, or small zero emission vehicles. These levee way corridors could be combined with existing transportation infrastructure such as parks, pedestrian & bicycle pathways, and select rural roadways to link these various parts into a cohesive transportation network. It would be possible for tourists from all over America and the world to fly into Sacramento International Airport and immediately begin to hike or bike on this independent transportation network. Given their location along the levee system, towns such as Colusa, Marysville-Yuba City, and Oroville could become world famous vacation destinations.
Most levees already have an existing roadway on the crest. With the funding for levee repairs already approved by voters, improvements to accommodate tourist travel could be included at a relatively low cost. The current effort to rebuild the levee-floodway system is a one-time chance to have public money help build an infrastructure that can bolster agritourism in the area.
Proponents of the plan say that the safety & serenity of surrounding rural landscape is a prime concern. Protection of private property and farm equipment along the transportation network would be a high priority. Levee improvements would include barriers such as hedgerows and fencing to protect private property from encroachment by those persons traveling the levee corridors.
Access into and out of the levee transportation system would be controlled. Entrances and exits will be limited to designated locations. Currently, the levees are left unguarded. Farmers not wishing to be part of this Agritourism network will now have their property protected from unwanted trespass.
Farmers and stakeholders along these corridors are not convinced. The Grange feels that both sides can learn by sitting down and listening to each other, and addressing the issues head on.
These discussions must take place soon. If the decision is to go ahead with the plan, we need to be ready to take advantage of what may be a one-time opportunity. If it is decided the risk is too great, we will have lost nothing, and settled the issue.
Since 1873 the California State Grange has championed the interests of farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans. The Grange stresses community service, and its Youth programs are open to all, urban and rural alike. There are over 185 chapters across the state. For more information contact the California State Grange at (916) 454-5805.