Photo: Dana Nichols

Many people have already participated in agri-tourism without knowing it. Any time you’ve visited a pumpkin patch, tasted wine at a vineyard or picked strawberries at a U-pick farm, you’ve been an agri-tourist. More and more, the term refers to educational farm tours, overnight farm stays and volunteer vacations.

The definition
UC Davis defines agri-tourism like this: “Agricultural tourism is a commercial enterprise at a working farm, ranch or agricultural plant conducted for the enjoyment or education of visitors, and that generates supplemental income for the owner.”

 Photo: Dana Nichols

Ten years ago, in July ’99, the California Agricultural Homestay Bill okayed overnight stays on farm and ranch properties. The bill only allows up to 15 guests a night per property, so agri-tourism is popular with vacationers who want to get away from it all.

How to find a farm
Visit the online database of small farms, operated by UC Davis, called CalAgTour.org. It's easy to use if you know what area of California you'll be visiting. Here are some more ideas:

Amy’s Farm, Ontario, Ca.
Alemany Farm, San Francisco, Ca.
Seven Sycamores Ranch, Ivanhoe, Ca.

Or get involved in community gardening
Aug. 23-29, 2009, is National Community Gardening Week.