Nova Scotia stretches 500 kilometres on a southwest-northeast axis from Cape Sable to Cape North, the shape of the province is often compared to that native delicacy, the lobster, with Cape Breton Island representing the outstretched claws, preparing to nip unsuspecting Newfoundland across the Cabot Strait.
The coastline of the uplands region is deeply indented, forming many good harbours, some of which are considered outstanding. Hundreds of islands dot the landscape along the entire Atlantic coast, most notably at St. Margarets Bay and Mahone Bay. Reefs and shoals abound, accounting for the many lighthouses erected along this coast. In many ways the Atlantic uplands coast epitomizes the North Atlantic coastline with its bare granite sheets plunging headlong into the raging surf to produce an awesome cataclysm between land and sea. When people think of Nova Scotia, they usually envisage the rocky granite shores of the uplands. Agri-tourism - a New Canadian Phenomena
“Agri-tourism” is a new phenomenon attracting attention across Canada. Ideas and suggestions are based on a collection of personal stories from people who saw the opportunities and felt the benefits of agri-tourism. Farmers who participate in agri-tourism open their farms and their hearts to their urban neighbors, who benefit from the worthwhile, learning experience. Not only are the eyes of children opened wide to farm animals and the food chain, but farm visitors are entertained by a chance to enjoy the fresh air and to ponder memories of when parents and grandparents lived on the farm.
Look at this wondrous product of agriculture and the people who grow our food and create countless jobs for others. Now step back and see agriculture from other people’s point of view. They see cellophane wrapped products in long white coolers, milk in three bags and potatoes in brown bags. These consumers don’t see the long hours, the investment of land and equipment or the back-breaking labor. Farming is often a thankless job, but most farmers wouldn’t change their way of life for the world. Nothing takes the place of the excitement as a seedling comes through the soil, when the sick cow recovers or while looking out over a field full of color. Although we do not want to romanticize farming, we do want to educate our urban neighbors about our industry and way of life. Argi-tourism is our opportunity to do just that. It is a way to provide guests with the chance to see the great investments in a farming operation; the cycle of planting, nurturing, harvesting; and the process which products take from field to table.
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” – Donna Lyons, Alliston Learning Center
Farming is a business and a way of life. Agri-tourism is simply another branch extending from the strong trunk of agriculture. Open your heart and mind to new and different ideas. Dare to dream and write down every new idea that comes to you. Use your family as a sounding board and include them in a brainstorming session. They will also become involved in this venture. What can you do as a family to bring people to your farm?
Don’t limit yourself. Instead, be creative, have fun, enjoy. Agri-tourism is only a concept. What you add to the concept, in relation to your farm, makes your farm unique, different, and entertaining. Your ideas will bring people to your farm. Delivering on your promises will bring them back. Implementing your ideas to become a part of agri-tourism will bring positive change to your farm.
Change is not negotiable. It is inevitable. At a time when change seems constant, people are evaluating what they have done, what they need to do, and how they are going to do it. In many cases people need to make a change in order to survive. Agriculture and farming are no exception. In a time of change, agri-tourism makes sense. It offers an opportunity for farmers to diversify, promote their commodity “as traditional industrial and agricultural jobs decrease, a growing awareness exists within rural communities of the benefits that can be gained from developing tourism as part of their economics” (Tourism Works for America Report, p. ) Agri-tourism in rural areas is an economic diversification initiative for farmers. The economic activity affects neighboring communities as well as the farmers. Not only will people visit your farm, enjoy a farm vacation or take home a buffalo roast, but the spin off effect into your community will be profitable. The local gas station, antique shop, grocery store and restaurant will also benefit from increased consumer traffic.
Agri-tourism is a marriage between two of the largest industries in Ontario: agriculture and tourism. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs defines agri-tourism as “the economic activity that occurs when people link travel with the products, services or experiences of the agriculture and food system”.
It is a concept that works for large and small, traditional and non-traditional farms. Although this new partnership is not for every farm, or for every farmer, it is growing in popularity and catching the attention of travelers, the media, and individuals seeking an adventure.