Views sought on agritourism

FARMS and estates in Dumfries and Galloway are being urged to take part in a national survey shaping the future of the sector.

Scotland’s Agritourism Survey 2025 will be undertaken by VisitScotland, on behalf of Scotland’s National Agritourism Strategy Board in a bid to recognise the true impact and value of one of the country’s fastest growing rural sectors.

Agritourism is defined as tourism or leisure on a working farm, croft, or estate that produces food or fleece. Agritourism and farm retail play a vital role for agriculture, showcasing farm produce and sustainable farming practices to visitors. The sector is hailed as a significant driver of Scotland’s rural economy, creating jobs, and sustaining vital family employment. And Scotland’s reputation as an agritourism destination is expected to grow as the country prepares to host the Global Agritourism Conference next year in Aberdeen.

This research marks the halfway point in Scotland’s National Agritourism Strategy plan and will shape the next five years of activity.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, above, said: “Agritourism is already making a real difference to Scotland’s rural economy, contributing around £60 million, and the Scottish Government is determined to build on that success. Our national strategy sets out an ambitious goal to grow the sector to £250 million by 2030, involving 1000 farms and crofts across the country.

“The Global Agritourism Conference is a great opportunity to show what Scotland has to offer and for the sector to learn from international peers.

“I look forward to seeing the results of the survey and the fantastic progress being made.”

Vicki Miller, VisitScotland chief executive, added: “From fruit picking and farm shops, to farm stays, wedding and business events, the diversity and variety of Scotland’s agritourism offering, as well as the people who work within it, are a vital part of our story as a destination.

“If we want to make sure that agritourism continues to flourish in a sustainable way, then it is important we continue to build a clearer picture and better understanding of its growth and impact.”

The survey closes on 15 September and is available at https://tinyurl.com/VisitScotlandAgritourism

Pic by Alan Peebles