The Alberta government has given a sizeable grant to help the province’s agritourism industry.
The Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association (AFFPA) is launching a new initiative to bolster Alberta’s smaller scale family farms and agritourism sector. Its creation is made possible after a $300,000 grant was provided through the Northern and Regional Economic Development Program.
WHY IT MATTERS: Agritourism can be an important revenue stream for smaller operations, helping to diversify income and connect producers with their communities.
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The program’s aim is to connect consumers with local farms and closer-to-home food, diversifying income on smaller farms through agritourism and strengthening Alberta’s food supply chain at the same time.
“The Northern and Regional Economic Development Program is empowering communities to attract investment, grow economies and create high-value, stable jobs for Albertans. This program unlocks new opportunities for Albertans in every corner of the province, ensuring Alberta remains the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family,” Joseph Schow, provincial minister of jobs, economy, trade and immigration, said in an AFFPA press release.
In rural Alberta, agritourism allows farmers and ranchers to supplement or reinvent their businesses, remain financially viable and thrive through diversification.
The Alberta-Grown Food and Agritourism Growth Initiative provides new supports for small family farms across Alberta looking for new revenue streams to support their operations by participating in tourism and the visitor economy. Staycations in Alberta have become increasingly popular, especially as people look for ways to explore their local surroundings without extensive travel, and international travelers are looking for destinations off the beaten track.
“Agritourism represents a significant opportunity for rural communities to experience the many benefits of a thriving visitor economy — from job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities to more municipal revenues and amenities that help communities thrive,” said Jon Mamela, chief commercial officer with Travel Alberta.
The initiative aims to capitalize on the $878 million market value of farmers markets and farm retail in Alberta, creating new jobs and promoting local food.
Provincial funding over three years will support AFFPA’s $600,000 program to develop a comprehensive agritourism growth strategy, increase direct farm sales and expand U-pick farms.
The funds will also facilitate professional development for agritourism operators.
Agritourism is a growing part of Alberta’s nearly $10.3 billion agri-food sector, offering experiences such as farm tours, harvest festivals and farm-to-table dinners.
Alberta’s agri-food sector employs more than 69,000 people.
