Booming agritourism business helps small Florida farms

LAKELAND, Fla. — More farmers and ranchers are embracing agritourism opportunities on their properties. It’s a way to incorporate recreation and educational experiences. The agritourism industry has helped generate billions in Florida alone, according to the latest census of agriculture.

What started as a strawberry farm has now transformed into a spot the community can enjoy.

Kristi Grooms Barnes is the president of the Fancy Farms Market. She and her brother Dustin Grooms opened the market six years ago to continue to share their parents’ legacy and her family’s homemade goods.

She says something they pride themselves on is sharing things she and her brother grew up with. “We have branded this after my mother DD, as Fancy Dee’s preserves, jams and relishes,” Barnes said.

The market has since expanded to serve lunch, and recently they decided they would open two months earlier than prior years.

They consider the market a form of agritourism for the farm.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture describes agritourism as a commercial enterprise that links agricultural production with tourism.

For Fancy Farms, this concept has been a plus. “It’s another revenue stream for our farm, and we’re able to get more people to the farm,” she said.

The latest Census of Agriculture reports that about 57% of U.S. counties reported agritourism income.

Barnes said the farm is a member of the Florida Agritourism Association, and the family serves on the board, because they see the growing demand.

“We’ve seen a shift in this agritourism, and people want to get outside. They want to see where their food comes. They want to connect with the land,” she explained.

Simon Bollin is the Agribusiness Development Manager with UF IFAS extension.

He said agritourism has increased on small to medium-size farms, rather than on large-scale properties.

“It does definitely help out local farms. It gives them another source of income and direct to retail, direct to consumer ability to market,” Bollin said.

Barnes said agritourism is helping shape the future of farming, making more people aware of what goes on behind the scenes.

“The education side is really important to us to show people there’s a lot more that goes into farming than it just showing up on your plate at dinnertime,” she said.

Sharing what the farm has to offer so that everyone can enjoy it.

The menu at Fancy Farms Market changes to incorporate new flavors, and in December, they will kick off the strawberry season.

The market is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.