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Respond to 2024 National Agritourism Survey

About the Survey

• All agricultural operations that welcome visitors for on-farm experiences are invited to participate. Examples include on-farm education, direct sales (including retail, choose and cut, pick your own), entertainment, recreation, special events, activities and more! 
• The individual responsible for agritourism decision-making should complete the survey. It takes approximately 15-minutes. 
• You only need to submit one response; you do not need to complete the survey if you have already submitted your input.
• There's a minimum response number for each state to receive a state report profile.
• If you have questions about the survey, and to request accommodations, please contact Claudia Schmidt, Penn State Extension at cschmidt@psu.edu

A Note From Real Maine Staff

Dear farmers and supporters, 

Right now, farmers have a chance to share insight that can inform planning and support for experiences that connect people to local agriculture year-round. For decades, Maine farms have offered on-farm experiences that raise agricultural awareness. Open farm days, tours, farmstands, u-pick, and educational events are memorable agritourism experiences. Customers and visitors in all seasons appreciate these connections to many different types of Maine farms.

When farmers have shared ideas, it can make an impact. Feedback has been a key reason the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry recently launched two Agritourism Course cohorts and the inaugural Agritourism Summit. Farmers sharing ideas helps producer groups, organizations, and business advisors identify collaborative marketing opportunities, and business resources.

Help Us Surpass the Response Goal

• Our goal is for the survey team to receive at least 50 responses from Maine farms. When we reach the goal, the survey team will make a state-level report for Maine after the survey closes.
• If you support farms that offer memorable experiences that connect you to local agriculture, please help by sharing this survey and encouraging farmers to add their voices.
• If you're a farmer who makes agritourism decisions, please spend 15 minutes completing the survey. We encourage you to reply by April 25. If you’ve already taken the survey, please help spread the word to others so they may add their insight.

Sincerely, Real Maine, Open Farm Day, and DACF’s agritourism program support staff.

More Resources

• If your farm or business is curious about agritourism opportunities and resources in Maine, please visit the Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation & Forestry's Agritourism Page, or RealMaine.com to learn about membership opportunities and to sign up for statewide agritourism and promotional events. You can also update your DACF GovDelivery subscription preferences to add agritourism topics. 
• Save the Date! Registration is open for DECD's Maine Office of Tourism, 2024 Maine Governor's Conference on Tourism, April 24-25, 2024 | Holiday Inn By The Bay, Portland, Maine. View the conference agenda and more.