Published by Solutions For Green We also publish California Green Solutions and a series of blogs about healthy living solutions.
PRIVACY POLICY
 For more sustainable business information, visit CaliforniaGreenSolutions.com for Sustainable Workplace and Green Products, www.SunshineByDesign.com and ~ Movie Industry Marketing for Indie Filmmaking Tips Arkansas Pet Services ~ BLTNetwork.com for Lifestyles ~ Home and Garden Habitat, Organics and Sustainability |
Home Productivity IdeasThis is a list of urban pioneering ideas that help put food on the table, income, or savings. Promote and network through: http://www.localharvest.org/products.jsp
Agri-entertainment / Agri-tourismThere are three agri-tourism basics: Have something for visitors to see, something for them to do, and something for them to buy. How well you relate the various components (through a theme or otherwise) will determine how successful your entertainment enterprise will be. Things to see and do are often offered free, but there is still a lot of money to be made selling to visitors. Research shows that tourists buy mainly food, beverages, and souvenirs.Another revenue source is to have nearby foundations help fund the creation of the enterprise as a community service (for school children, rural development, etc.) (The Jamberry Farm, Madill, Oklahoma, features a 3-acre maze, funded in part by a grant from the Kerr Center in Poteau, Oklahoma. Visitors pay $5 to walk through the maze and the farm's 5-acre pumpkin patch (or ride a hay wagon).
List of Farm Activities
Petting zoo, Straw bale maze, Baked treats,
Arts and crafts, Hay rides, Haunted house,
Homemade toys, Miniature golf, Full food service,
Observation deck, Company parties, Catering,
Pumpkin patch, Face painting, Concessions,
Bonfire with marshmallows
National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service INTERNSHIPS: Sustainable Farming Internships Nature Based TourismA further option for recreational farming is leasing wooded land or marginal cropland for hunting, fishing, or hiking, observation, research, or photography. Such use can sometimes be combined with overnight lodging, campgrounds, and a farm store. Texas A&M University has a program at its La Copita Ranch to train land managers in hosting this type of tourism. For information and technical advice on licenses and regulations, contact local offices of the following agencies.* Fish and Wildlife Service * USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service * State Department of Natural Resources Professor Duncan Hilchey of the Cornell Sustainable Agriculture program advises American farmers: "Growers have to adopt a new outlook and switch their thinking away from production toward giving today's consumers what they want. That might include farm tours, value-added products, or even adding a petting zoo. People come out to the farm these days not so much to buy large quantities of produce, but for the immersion experience for themselves and their children. They are looking for a farm-fresh feeling—not just food. " The University of California's Small Farm Center has developed an on-line agricultural tourism directory to provide tourists with an easy way to "search for a farm experience." Farm proprietors interested in a listing are encouraged to contact the Center. A national agri-tourism database complements those developed by Illinois, Texas, and other states.
California Farm Trail Links
Small Farm CenterIn 1979, the California Legislature created the Small Farm Program to enhance the viability of small- and moderate-scale agricultural producers by stimulating research and extension education in production systems, marketing, and farm management. The Small Farm Program is a University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) statewide program. DANR addresses California's concerns in the general areas of agriculture, natural resources, human and community development, and public policy. The Small Farm Program provides production and marketing information to farmers not reached by traditional extension programs. Our clientele operate small-scale, family-owned or managed farms or markets, often with limited resources. They represent many cultures and many different types of farming operations and are located in all areas of California. We also work closely with farmers' market organizations to ensure alternative and profitable market access for small- and moderate-sized producers.As a statewide program, the Small Farm Program consists of the Small Farm Center at its core; California county based farm advisors; the Small Farm Workgroup, including University of California farm advisors and faculty members; and an external advisory committee. Small Farm ProgramSan Diego County Santa Barbara and San Louis Obispo County
FarmStop.comFarmStop is your listing of wonderful farms and ranches across North America that invite you to stop by and visit their property. A farm stop means family fun in the beautiful countryside, whether it's a day trip or a terrific way to visit another state.
FarmStop
Texas Nature Tourism Easter Chicks for Rental or Adoption(Jan 29 - Apr 15) Easter Chicks will be available for rental, or for permanent adoption for those who would like to raise their own laying chickens. They come with everything needed for a two-week visit with you and your family!Petting Zoo: Nativity AnimalsRent ponies for parties, and calf, sheep, goat, donkey, chickens, for church nativity scenes.Heirloom Plants and SeedsNative plants for the area. Supply and educate landscapers, homeowners and schools.Cooking Oil Biodiesel FilteringCollect and filter cooking oil for diesel powered automobiles.Fresh Produce for Gourmet RestaurantsPlant and deliver fresh specialty produce for salads, garnishes and seasonal specialties for the region. Also specialty plants for ethnic restaurants. Herbs. Lettuces. Vine ripe Tomatoes. Strawberries. Specialty potatoes (tire tower).OrchardGrow shade trees that produce fruit, nuts and seeds. My favorites that are high nutritional value: Papaya, Kumquat, Oranges, Lemon, Apples, Pears, Kiwis, Mandarin orange, Mango, dates and figs, Japanese persimmons, plums, prunes, guava, star fruit, cherries,Almonds, Pecans, Use Shrubs and Vines that are ProductiveCreate display posts or arbors for: grapes, raspberries, sunflowers,Vegetables, plusOats, Barley, Popcorn, Buckwheat, pumpkins, luffa, gourdsProcessingHerbal Teas/bottled, Dried fruits, pickles, preserves, flavored EVOO, Green teas, Flavored vinegar, edible flowers, herb and holiday wreaths, bath and body products, firewood, soap, seed cards/kits, KITS, small strawbale kits, compost, stepping stones. Birdfeeding / wildlife feeding kits. Smoked meats, Truffles (chocolate), mushrooms,MarketingCAtalog. Organic marketing. Gourmet marketing. Slow food. Market niches: mailing lists, promotion, product development, market research, sales, advertising. Programs (regional, state, county, federal, international) Certifications: organic, naturally grown, locally grown, sustainability, etc.CrittersLocal endangered species (mollusks), earthworms, lady beetles, wetlands recovery (plants and animals), freshwater shrimp, aquaponics, kelp.Types of facilitiesHydroponics, greenhouse, tire columns, ponds, raised beds, worm beds, river water plants, sun drying, passive heat, cold frame, hotbed, drying shed, haybarn, windbreaks, fencing,Conservation OpportunitiesWildlife preserve / farm preservation trust. Forestry. Soil conservation services and paymetns. Farm crop subsidies. Riparian. Heritage seeds. Endangered species. Estate planning. Biointensive sustainable mini-farming system. commercial scale production, processing and marketing. Hand tools and downsizing for maximum conservation and productivity. Local production.Alternative EnergyBiodiesel. Solar. LNG. Ethanol. Wind power. Water power. Geothermal. Heat pump. Renewable energy.For more articles about URBAN NATUREUrban Agriculture for Outdoor AdventureEarth's Most Successful Life Form Kudzu Grows a Foot per Day Meow How? Should I keep my cat indoors? Habitat on Your Balcony and Garden Patio Keeping ants in nature where they belong
|