Goto InfoBasket Homepage
|
Agritourism |
|
Goto InfoBasket Homepage
|
Agritourism |
|
Agritourism F.A.Q.s |
What is Agritourism?
There are many varied definitions of agritourism which include a wide range of activities and products. Agritourism is currently being defined in British Columbia as travel which combines agricultural or rural settings with products of agricultural operations- all within a tourism experience. It includes providing tourists with opportunities to experience a broad spectrum of agriculturally based products and services ranging from fruit and vegetable stand shopping to winery, orchard, and alpaca tours, from farm based bed and breakfast accommodation, to tourist participation in harvest festivals and cattle drives.
Essential components to agritourism are:
[ back to top ]
Where can I find information on specific agritourism products and/or services/activities?
As an emerging agricultural industry in British Columbia there is limited information on specific B.C. agritourism products and services/activities. This InfoBasket site will connect you to what is available including the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands and British Columbia AgriTourism Alliance's recent Provincial Agritourism Survey Report (2001/02) and Agritourism Market and Product Development Status Report (June 2001). Additionally this site will link you with the most up to date material from across the globe.
[ back to top ]
Where can I get listings of other agritourism businesses?
Currently there is no inclusive provincial directory of agritourism businesses. However there are regional and in some cases provincial listings of direct farm marketing associations, wineries, bed and breakfasts, ranch vacations and tourism listings.
Listings such as:
are listed under section E. Directories, Contacts and Websites of this community.
[ back to top ]
How do I contact the British Columbia Agritourism Alliance (BCATA)?
The primary role of BCATA at present is to oversee the delivery of the BC AgriTourism Initiative. The Initiative has a number of components geared to build a strong foundation for the strategic growth of this exciting new industry sector, where agriculture and tourism meet.
For more information about BCATA mail inquiries to:
BC Agritourism Initiative
Box 955
Creston, BC V0B 1G0
Website: http://www.agritourismbc.org/about/contacts.php
[ back to top ]
Where can I find information on how to start an agritourism business?
This InfoBasket site will connect you to what information is available in BC and other jurisdictions (A1.1.5 Getting Started in Agritourism). Various publications are available in hard copy through these web connections. Two specific British Columbia resources are:
Agritourism and Rural Recreation - a resource guide that provides information on what you need to know to start an agritourism business. This resource workbook focuses on businesses in the Chilliwack area but is transferable to many areas in the province.
For further information contact:
Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation
Telephone: 604 792-7839
Toll Free: 1 800 561-8803
Website: http://www.chilliwackpartners.com/
Marketing on the Edge: A Marketing Guide for Progressive Farmers - hard copies are available through the Canadian Farm Business Management Council.
For further information contact:
Canadian Farm Business Management Council
Telephone: 613 237-9060
Toll Free: 1 888 232-3262
E-mail: council@cfbmc.com
Website: http://www.farmcentre.com/
Also keep your eye on the calendar of events on this site as it will list conferences and workshops across BC and the continent that may be of interest to you.
[ back to top ]
Where can I get marketing information for my agritourism business?
This InfoBasket site will connect you to various web sites in BC and other jurisdictions in North America and around the world that provide good sources of marketing information. Refer to Section C: Marketing and Trade.
[ back to top ]
What agritourism business will bring me the best financial return?
There is no single answer for this question. There are a variety of factors that affect agritourism returns. Agritourism businesses in general develop in addition to already existing agricultural operations and in fact in BC under the current Agricultural Land Reserve Regulations, agritourism revenues must be secondary to production. Therefore the business that will bring the most revenue will depend on the farming you are in, or expect to be doing and how that will relate to dealing with the customers. Your business may be a road side stand or it may be some form of accommodation on the farm.
It is strongly recommended that you do a business plan and a tourism market study before starting any agritourism business. For more information on business plans and market studies refer to Section B, on Business Management and Finance.
[ back to top ]
Is government support available for start up agritourism operators?
Government support is currently focused on providing agritourism operators with information in the areas of business planning, market and product development and research.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Electronic Information Service
Provides information on inspection, regulations, industry information, research and technology, and human resources.
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/Canada/British Columbia Business Service Centre
A business resource centre that provides information on starting a new business, entering new markets, accessing government programs and services, taxation, and regulations.
Phone: 604 775-5525
Fax: 604 775-5520
Website: http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca
[ back to top ]
Are there any funding/financial programs available for agritourism?
There are numerous funding programs available to assist farmers in expanding or diversifying their business opportunities. Each has different aims, strategic priorities and formalized eligibility and application processes. It is essential to develop a sound business plan for your agritourism business prior to assessing finance options. These business plans will need information on the markets for agritourism and value-added products, as well as industry norms concerning expenses and revenues. Section B.2 of this InfoBasket site provides available information and links on business planning, investment and various sources of financing.
B.C. Investment Agriculture Foundation
A non-profit agricultural association that helps fosters growth in the agri-food industry. A secondary role is to assist industry in responding to current issues facing the sector.
Phone: 250 356-1833
Fax: 250 953-5162
Website: http://www.iafbc.ca/Business Development Bank of Canada
Provides information on financial products, venture capital, and consulting services.
Website: http://www.bdc.ca/Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Assists companies to succeed in the global marketplace.
Website: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/If you are looking for general information on export marketing, financing and logistics, go to http://exportsource.ca/, Team Canada Inc's powerful search engine.
Export Development Corporation
Provides programs that can assist Canadian exporters to compete in foreign markets
Website: http://www.edc.ca/Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
The FCC offers innovative products and services to farmers and small- and medium-sized agri-businesses. The family farm has been and will continue to be the main focus of their lending operations. They also support farmer-controlled diversification initiatives and value-added agricultural operations on the farm and beyond the farm gate.
Website: http://www.fcc-fac.ca/Industry Canada
Provides programs and funding to assist with exporting and research and development.
Website: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/VanCity Credit Union
Self-Reliance Loan (Maximum $25,000)
Self-Reliance loans are loans for "people who want to start or expand a business to create employment for themselves." Loan approval is based primarily on character and credit history.
Website: http://www.vancity.com/Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
WD offers a network of business professionals to help with business planning and development, accessing capital, export or trade development, selling to government markets, and providing information on government programs and services for which a business may be eligible.
Website: http://www.wd.gc.ca/Women's Enterprise Society of BC (WESBC)
WESBC is a non-profit organization committed to helping women entrepreneurs succeed in business. Some services they offer include, financing, free business counselling, workshops and training sessions.
Toll Free: 1 800 643-7014
Website: http://www.wes.bc.ca/
[ back to top ]
| Top | Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy | Feedback |