'Agritourism' Gaining In Popularity

"Across California, there is a growing convergence between agriculture and entertainment as small farms turn to a bit of showbiz to survive....

Perhaps fittingly in this entertainment capital, more than 600 farms around the state now offer a direct-marketing component, a fivefold increase over the past decade. In addition to traditional enticements such as fruit stands and pick-your-own plots, growers are carving mazes in cornfields, opening dude ranches and setting up pony rides and petting zoos to draw customers eager to experience life on the farm.

Dubbed agritourism or agritainment, the movement is steadily picking up steam as associations form to promote entertainment farming and jurisdictions relax regulations to make it easier to launch such ventures."

Thanks to Brenda Meyer