AMES, Iowa --  Agritourism producers are encouraged to list their agritourism operations on a central Web site hosted by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension, www.visitiowafarms.org.

The Iowa Agritourism Working Group, supported by the Value Added Agriculture Program and other departments within ISU Extension, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, the Iowa Department of Agriculture, Iowa Department of Economic Development, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Silos and Smokestacks, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, sponsored a conference for 85 attendees surrounding marketing agritourism operations. 

Attendees at the conference included those interested in nature-based tourism, farm mazes, u-pick operations, farm bed and breakfasts, wineries and retail locations.

“Rural tourism activities are the third most popular activities in Iowa, and spending on rural trips accounts for a growing percentage of total Iowa tourism revenues. Listing their operation on the Visit Iowa Farms Web site allows travelers to quickly find a destination within their region,” according to Ray Hansen, director of the Value Added Agriculture Program at ISU Extension.

Hansen also stated that producers listing their operation on the free site will also be promoted at ads for the Web site at Iowa interstate rest stops.

“More than two million travelers stop at just one eastern Iowa rest stop annually,” Hansen said. “Our goal is that this increased visibility for Iowa agritourism operations results in additional travelers to the farm.”

To register your business, visit http://www.visitiowafarms.org. For more information, contact the Value Added Agriculture Program at (515) 294-9483.

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