LANSING – Orchards, markets and wineries attract local customers with their fresh produce and outdoor, family-orientated activities that promote agritourism, helping to keep Michigan’s economy afloat and possibly offering an avenue of investment for the future.
Natural resources are a major magnet in attracting customers and tourists to Michigan, according to William Anderson, director of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).
Cultural tourism - traveling for a specific purpose such as to attend festivals, visit historical sites and experience cultural diversity - will help the economy flourish, he said, and natural resources are creating power that’s economic development.
Visiting agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operations such as farms, wineries, orchards and markets is known as agritourism and is an appealing enterprise in Michigan because of the effort to boost the economy.
The Agricultural Tourism Advisory Commission was recently established to discuss awareness, promotion, signs and zoning issues to promote the agritourism concept.
Liana Bennett of the Michigan Department of Agriculture said agritourism is becoming increasingly popular because people are looking to get back to their roots and customers know exactly where their food came from.
It’s beneficial because the farm is kept in the family, the farm market is diversified, people can purchase directly and local industries are supported, Bennett said.
Abbey Jacobson, an owner of Westview Orchards and Cider Mill near Romeo and member of the recently established Agricultural Tourism Commission, is a backer of agritourism.
She said her marketing technique strategy includes being involved with the community, distributing press releases weekly, teaming up with other agribusinesses operators, cross-promoting and adding an attraction to her orchard every year.
This year the new attraction is a train that gives a tour of the orchard.
“The economy is slumping right now and this is an opportunity to grow (agricultural) industry here,” Jacobson said.
According to Betty Boone, HAL’s director of cultural economic development, people who are interested in a site will drive 100 miles out of their destination’s way to visit it and will spend more than the average customer at that particular place.
Not everyone involved in agribusiness believes in the effectiveness of agritourism.
According to Dale Jenuwine of Mt. Clemens Farmer’s Market, people know about the business due to word of mouth and the quality of the produce.
He said business could increase because people are concerned about food safety and quality.
“You can ask questions about the origin of the food,” he said, referring to the market. “You can’t do that (just) anywhere. The supermarket doesn’t know because it comes from other states and countries.
“It’s a one-on-one thing. People are going to get answers, correct answers.”