Doing the Heavy Lifting

Regular listeners to our OnFARM podcast will be aware that we have regularly covered agri-tourism in recent months.

An episode recorded at the Scottish Agritourism / GoRural Scotland conference emphasised that agri-tourism is, in many cases, not actually a diversification from farming, but rather can be looked at as simply marketing farm produce in a different way.

We have subsequently produced an episode focussing on farm-based attractions as days-out around Dundee and today’s (Monday 25th April) looks at farm tourism around Edinburgh. Future episodes will focus on Glasgow and Inverness.
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I write this little blog, however, not solely as a means to highlight the podcast. Rather, I would like to share my thoughts on the importance of agri-tourism businesses to our wider farming industry.

The reality – in my humble opinion – is that those brave farming souls who have taken the plunge into direct interaction with the public deserve the wholehearted support and, dare I say it gratitude, of Scottish Agriculture PLC.

The most obvious candidates for applause may be those offering farm tours or other experiences designed to enable visitors to get a flavour of farming activity. But I suggest that the B&Bs, farm shops, cafes and other farm-based attractions operated by members of Scottish Agritourism are just as deserving of appreciation.

Any discussion around farm profitability will inevitably throw up chat along the lines of “We need to get the public to better appreciate our produce!” There is no doubt in my mind that well-run farm-based agritourism enterprises are at the forefront of showcasing our industry, our produce and winning the hearts and minds of the consuming public. I would go so far as to say such businesses are doing a lot of the heavy lifting for a (non-public facing) sheep farmer like me, and indeed for every other farming enterprise (and therefore the ancillary trades too) in the land.

On a similar public-facing theme: the return of the agricultural show season this year is hugely welcome. I would also like to nominate all show organisers, convenors, directors, stewards, judges, trade stand holders, exhibitors etc for one of my “heavy-lifting” awards and wish them all every success for their big day(s)!

Thanks and good luck to all

Monty