Page 39 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County

CHAPTER 3: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM SECTOR

Why is Rural Tourism Important?
What is Agritourism? Benefits
Agritourism is a type of rural tourism that is Rural tourism activities are occurring throughout
associated with agricultural operations. Agritourism Washington County’s rural area. The most effective
is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as
“an enterprise at a working farm or woodland, ranch, rural tourism policies and strategies are designed
or agricultural plant conducted for the enjoyment to support farm, rural area, and small-community
and benefit of visitors that generates supplemental economic development and diversification. Major
income for the owner.” “Agritourism,” under benefits of rural tourism development include :
37
Oregon’s senate Bill 960, is specific to exclusive farm
use lands. For this reason, the County chose the • Expansion of farm operations to diversify
term “rural tourism” for use in this report to address income and strengthen the viability of farms.
tourism activities on all rural lands more broadly. This channels additional on-farm revenues di-

Agritourism is an Example of Value Added Plus rectly to family members who might otherwise

When value is added to a raw agricultural product, have to work additional jobs off of the farm.
such as through processing, that enhanced product • Development of new consumer market niches
is known as "value added." When additional value is for on-farm stays and farm products such
added to a value added product, such as by selling it
as part of an agricultural event or experience which as fresh produce, preserved foods, wine, and
earns additional revenue, that product is known as specialty nursery stock, and farm experi-
"value added plus" (Stewart 2009). ences such as historical tours, how-to classes,
harvesting foods, and heritage activities. The
As shown in Figure 3.1, agritourism is an example of
value added plus. The agritourism industry provides expanded products and experiences create
an alternative market channel for raw products, more overnight stays and cause visitors to
for value added products, and once again for value linger longer in the County— both desirable
added plus products. This valuation means increased outcomes of tourism as they increase rev-
income for farm operations.
enue, build a sense of place, and increase the
likelihood that visitors will make a return visit.

37 Irshad, Humaira, Government of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
“Rural Tourism – An Overview.” Pdf. October 2010. Pages 8-10. www1.agric.gov.
ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/csi13476/$FILE/rural-tourism.pdf
Figure 3.1: Value Added Plus

RAW PRODUCTS VALUE ADDED VALUE ADDED PLUS
enhance features to add value Source: Mary Stewart 2009

Nursery Stock Cut flowers, Landscaping Lavender Festival, Garden Centers
Christmas Trees, Woodlands Choose N’ Cut, Wreaths, Firewood Christmas Show, Crafts, Hay Rides
Berries and Nuts Jams, Syrups, Candied Nuts Gourmet Food Shops, Catalogs
Horses Horse Training Horse Shows, Riding Lessons
Vegetables, Fruit Packaged, Processed, CSA baskets Farmers Markets, Restaurants
Wine Grapes Wines Wine Tastings, Events
Alpacas and Llamas Fiber, Garments Events, Tours
Livestock, Poultry Goat Cheese, Eggs, Feathers Rodeos, Events, Tours, CSA

WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY 35