A Different Approach to Rural Business

Diversification has become a key word in farm and ranch economics.  Making the most of your property means going beyond the traditional strategies of agribusiness and employing newer innovations.  The following definitions are a compilation of internet resources to give ideas of the available options for diversification:

• Alternative Enterprises - Marketing an existing farm or ranch product differently, adding value before it is sold, or adding a new enterprise (product or service) to existing enterprises on the farm or ranch. Also referred to as enterprise diversification.

• Agritourism - Inviting the public onto a farm or ranch to participate in various activities and enjoy an agricultural experience. Agritourism enterprises include bed and breakfasts, for-fee fishing or hunting, pick-your-own fruits/ vegetables, corn mazes, farm markets, and much more.

• Agritainment - Providing the public with fun on-farm or on-ranch activities. Such activities include haunted houses, mazes, miniature golf, horseback riding, hayrides, and the like.

• Agrieducation - Formal and informal education about agriculture through signage, tours, hands-on classes, seminars, and other methods.

• Cultural and Heritage Tourism - Use of historic and cultural attractions to teach visitors about the past and present.

• Direct Marketing - Any form of marketing in which a consumer purchases a product or service directly from a producer.

• Nature Tourism - Consumptive and non-consumptive use of the natural resources. Nature tourism ranges from birding, rock climbing, camping, hiking, stargazing, and even skydiving to hunting and fishing.

• Value-Added - A product whose appeal to consumers has been increased through packaging, processing, marketing, or production practices or services. Each step of adding value to a product is an alternative enterprise.

• Alternative Farming Systems Information Centre Link