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. Special Event Forms
Don’t invite only the locals… invite the entire province. Currently the ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism has a publication called Ontario Events Guide. It doesn’t cost anything to be included in the guide except for the stamp to mail the form. If the description of your agri-tourism event doesn’t fit into the defined category, place it under ‘festival’ and send a note encouraging the Ministry to add an agri-tourism event category to their listing.
Get your event on the Internet. Times have changed and the Internet is a new effective way of reaching people. Events Ontario offers a free listing registration form to get your event on-line.
Cable stations, church bulletins, other organizations’ newsletters, portable signs, and the free community events bulletin on television stations also do a good job getting your word out to the public.
A Community Farming Event
Working with surrounding farms, bed and breakfasts, attractions, and restaurants to create an “open house” type of event is a great way to capture the general attention. Not only is it good for business and exposure, but also a wonderful opportunity to network with others. One word of caution-start small and let the event grow. It is essential to maintain control and the equality of the event.
If you are serious about agri-tourism in your area, call a meeting and bring potential partners together to talk about ways to attract people to your area. That is exactly what happened in Perth County.
In 1994 a group of enthusiastic Perth County farmers realized locals and people from surrounding counties were interesting in seeing what “Agri-tourism” was all about. The Perth County Federation of Agriculture offered to co-sponsor the event and provide $2,000 and numerous volunteers. Tourism Stratford, the local tourism association also added expertise, advice, and a contact list for local, regional, and national media.
Once port-a-potties were rented for each farm, the Perth County partners had only about $650 for promotion. Flyers were created and each farmer was encouraged to take 200 to distribute. Flyers reached the CNE in Toronto, the Plowing Match, church groups, local papers, regional papers, community event listings on TV, and local newsletters. Over 50 press releases were faxed to various TV stations, newspapers, magazines and radio stations. The agri-tourism coordinator was interviewed and contacted for more information. People were talking about the event! As tourism Stratford, the Perth County Federation of Agriculture and the participating farms continued to prepare and promote the event, the media expressed more interest, Signs and passports were printed and painted. The locations of the farms were to be a mystery until tour day. This prevented people form dropping in a day or two early to the participating farms. Everyone involved knew the day’s success would depend on the weather. The committee felt was organized and covered all the basis, but again, the weather would dictate numbers. The !st Annual Perth County Harvest Day was a tremendous success. The weatherman provided a warm, sunny day and the participating host farms provided well-organized, fun and educational spots to visit for youngsters, students, baby boomers, and visitors. Over 1,200 came out to explore their rural roots and visit the mystery farms.
A second Annual Harvest Day was held in October 1995 with different host farms and the same budget. Over 1,500 attended the one day event.
Helpful Hints
- Contact your insurance broker and ensure they are aware of your event. Be sure you are properly protected.
- The Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers and other farm organizations are able to help promote and may have volunteers who will work with you.
- Work with your tourism association. They will be able to help with promotion and offer marketing tips.
- Prepare your media list and fax or mail public service announcements. Invite the press to attend. Give a sneak preview!
- Create a contest involving media. Trivia questions on the radio are a great way to create excitement. Offer prizes such as admission to your farming event or an escorted ride to participating farm…in a limousine.
- Ensure you have proper washroom facilities. Rent a port-a-potty for the duration of the event. Now, they are available with sinks and running water.
- Let your neighbors know there will be extra traffic. They may also be interested in helping.
- Work with existing attractions and businesses. For example, a farmers’ market may be interested in participating.
- Involve local celebrities.
- Hands on activities will leave a lasting impression. Plant pumpkins in the spring and invite group back in the fall to enjoy the fruits of their harvest.
- Include a detailed map so getting from farm to farm is not too difficult.
- Post easy to read, professional looking signs for directions.
- Have stations set up on your farm: one to welcome guests, one to explain where your animals are housed, one to point out crops and different equipment, ect.
- Have volunteer or employees on hand to help with crowd control.
- Be ready to answer questions your guests might have. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question!
- Signs will provide even more information to guests. A heifer is…A dry cow is…A combine is…Step back and envision you are visiting a new car factory, what question would you ask?
- Evaluation forms will tell you what people liked, what can be changed and what needs to be improved. Encourage guests to include their name and addresses by having a draw for a basket of fresh fruit, preserves, jellies and jam, and fresh flowers. Be sure to keep a record of these guests.
Conclusion
Being a part of an agri-tourism program in your area is very rewarding. Farmers can take an active role in explaining their industry to the consumers. Ninety-six percent of people who eat live in urban ares want to know how their food is produced.
However, it is also a lot of hard work and dedication. Besides organizing tours and teaching about agriculture, you must also cover your costs and generate revenue if your farm is to survive.
Agri-tourism is not for everyone. If you can find balance, work with it. Be unique, offer guests variety, and always invite them back. Find your niche but also work with your partners to make agri-tourism in your area successful. Most of all enjoy yourself when you have guests. Take pride in showing your guests the fruits of your hard work.
By participating in agri-tourism, you are now a part of the tourism industry but you are a farmer first. You are involved in the wonderful industry of agriculture. Why not tell people about it?!