Agritourism is a relatively new term for most in Kentucky. However, this new term is quickly emerging as a great way for farm families across the Commonwealth to diversify their agriculture operations. September has been set aside to bring awareness to this new opportunity.

In Kentucky and other states, vacationers are turning to the family farm as a tourist attraction. People are attracted to rural areas for many reasons. This makes various types of agri-tourism successful. Farm accommodations, vacations, tours and sales are all of interest to vacationers.

The General Assembly has defined agri-tourism as, "The act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural, or agribusiness operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education or active involvement in the activities of the farm operation."

In 2002, the General Assembly passed House Bill 654. This bill created the Office of Agritourism in the Department of Agriculture. The legislation also created an Agritourism Advisory Council. The purpose of this was to promote agritourism in the Commonwealth as well as assisting in sustaining the viability and growth of the agritourism industry in Kentucky.

In just the four short years since its creation, the Office of Agritourism can identify 268 businesses across the state that qualify as "agritourism" with 48 of those being horse farms. A 2005 Kentucky Agritourism Market Study by the Glengariff Group, Inc. found that 17 percent of possible travelers to the Commonwealth said the first thing that came to mind when they heard Kentucky was horses and horse farms.

Our beautiful state has lots to offer when it comes to agritourism. Whether it is horse farms or farmers markets or horse racing, vacationers can experience it all right here in our wonderful state!

If you would like more information on how to promote agritourism in Kentucky you can visit their website at www.kyarg.gov or call (502) 564-4983.