4 days ago
Agri-tourism seen as lifeline for most vulnerable Irish farms
A renewed interest is being shown in agri-tourism as farmers seek ways to generate a second income to ensure a viable future for their families.
The move is a result of looming challenges ranging from geo-political threats to trade, issues over the future funding of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the impact of climate change and how to tackle it.
Teagasc stresses that while agriculture will continue to be the cornerstone of rural areas, the need to generate a second income to attract a successor and ensure viability is a reality for most farm families.
It has outlined how rural tourism has huge potential to revitalise local economies, provide job opportunities for farm household members, and enhance the quality of life of local communities.
Failte Ireland data has also highlighted a significant increase in online searches related to rural tourism, reflecting the growing interest in the sector.
The activities may involve staying on a farm or touring food trails and events, participating in agricultural endeavours, or buying produce direct from a farm or market.
Margaret Edgill, an organic farmer, artisan food producer, and grower in Daingean, Co Offaly, also researched the sector as a Nuffield Scholar in 2023.
Her report noted that agri-food and tourism, traditionally two of Ireland's strongest indigenous enterprise sectors, are built on the natural and human capital found in rural areas.
Off-farm income
She referenced the 2021 National Farm Survey (NFS), Viability of Farms by System, which found that 37% of cattle farms, both rearing and other, were vulnerable. These tended be the smallest farms at around 34ha each.
Accordingly, there are over 24,500 vulnerable farms with 50% in the eastern and Midland region, 37% in the northern and western region, and 24% in the southern region.
She explained that a holding is economically vulnerable if the farm business is not viable and if neither farmer nor spouse works off farm.
Historically, one type of diversification is widely practised on Irish farms — off-farm income. Accordingly, 34% of surveyed farms are "sustainable" due to off-farm income.
Driven by global trends of concentration, low commodity prices and rising input costs, agricultural producers worldwide are looking at new opportunities to diversify and add revenue streams to their business.
A popular and growing opportunity is agri-tourism, which she described as a type of experiential travel which connects people to products or produce, delivered on farming land through a direct "on-farm" experience.
She predicted that agri-tourism will be a significant growth industry for Ireland's rural economy and more especially pivotal in future-proofing farm incomes.
It has the potential to provide opportunities for multi-generational farm enterprises and succession planning, she added, suggesting that a national agri-tourism strategy is a priority.
Glamping and shepherd huts
Barry Caslin, a Teagasc energy and rural development specialist, has also detailed various trends, including farm-stays, glamping, and shepherd huts, as profitable ways for farmers to diversify their income and attract visitors seeking rural experiences.
He pointed out that Irish farmers have several agri-tourism options available to diversify their income streams and attract visitors seeking authentic rural experiences.
Meanwhile, agriculture minister Martin Heydon issued a call last January for proposals for agri-food tourism initiatives under the 2025 Rural Innovation and Development Fund. He said tourism and the agri-food sector share close ties and complement each other well.
The funding provides support towards the development of agri-food tourism initiatives to help rural businesses develop their products and services, connect with the community and visitors, and improve the rural experience.
"Ireland's agri-food sector is one of the main drivers of Ireland's economy, especially in rural and coastal areas," he said.
Guided by the Food Vision 2030 strategy, we continue to develop links between local food and tourism offerings
Total funding of almost €300,000 was made available for projects supporting agri-food tourism initiatives, including rural food markets. The maximum amount payable to any project was €25,000.
A positive response from the sector resulted in funding being made available to 22 local agri-food tourism projects.
Mr Heydon said the geographical spread of the projects this year illustrates the interest in the sector, the development of agri-food tourism and its importance to communities countrywide.
'Our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector, Food Vision 2030, highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and local tourism,' he said.
Mr Heydon noted that agri-food tourism in rural areas allows food companies of all sizes to showcase their people, landscape, history and culture through agricultural produce, food and drink and local cuisine.
'In addition, it provides opportunities for rural businesses, including farmers, producers and artisans to develop their products and services, diversify their businesses, connect with the local community, welcome visitors and improve skills and best practice,' he said.
Food promotion minister of state Noel Grealish said the large volume of applications submitted shows the appetite the sector has for innovative and collaborative ventures.
'The competition for funding under this programme is intense and those who were successful should be congratulated for their proposals and their upcoming projects,' he said.
