Several people have inquired about my agritourism entrepreneurial journey and asked—“Why the Farm & Art Tour™?”
The simple answer is this is a passion project combining a lifetime of experiences and interests.
And in these divisive times we live in, one thing I know to be true: food, music, and art are the great connectors regardless of education, income, class, race, language, and age.
The About Us section on this website provides more reasons. But I’ll expand a bit.
Farmers are the lifeblood of communities and this event intersects with many larger issues impacting farmers and communities: climate, the environment, developers gobbling up land, and even national security.
Most small and mid-sized farms are family owned and right now, the farming industry is graying out. According to the most recent data from the USDA’s Census of Agriculture, the average age of U.S. farmers is around 57.5 years.
This figure reflects a trend of an aging farming population, with many farmers nearing retirement age and fewer young people entering the profession.
The agricultural sector has been facing challenges in attracting younger generations, who often pursue careers outside of farming due to various economic, social, and technological factors.
Agritourism offers a vital solution to the aging population of U.S. farmers by creating opportunities that appeal to younger generations and make farming more economically viable.
By diversifying income through farm-based experiences such as tours, workshops, farm-to-table events, and recreational activities, agritourism allows new and beginning farmers to generate additional revenue streams that assist in maintaining their farms.
Agritourism fosters community connections and educates the public on the importance of local food systems, enhancing support for small farms and sustainable practices.
For younger farmers, participating in agritourism presents a way to innovate, connect with urban and suburban consumers, and build a strong business foundation.
As a result, agritourism not only helps bridge the generational gap in farming, but also provides new farmers with the resources, skills, and community engagement needed for long-term success.
Through the Farm & Art Tour™, it is my great wish to contribute not only to the success of on-going family farm operations but to support young farmers in their current and future agriculture journeys.
I hope you’ll join us, and in doing so, your participation will help maintain the most valuable and precious resource we have—the farmer.
—-Tracy Mitchell Griggs
