AgriTourism is helping farmers and others who have agricultural
establishments with a supplemental income by providing a niche market.
It is allowing farmers to take their traditional agricultural practices
and apply them in some nontraditional ways, focusing on engaging the
visitor with something that is both educational and enjoyable.
AgriTourism is nothing new. Family and friends have visited farms all
over Hawai`i from before the plantation era. What is new is the focus
that state and local tourism and economic development groups are placing
on this aspect of agriculture. The time for AgriTourism is right, as
more people seek to buy locally grown food and become more health conscious.
Consumers want to go to the farms, meet the people who grow their food
and see where it comes from. This interest alone has sparked a large
movement to opening farms to the public for educational purposes that
can also be rejuvenating and relaxing at the same time.
If you are involved with any aspect of agriculture or are in the visitor
industry, either as a tour company, or tour operator, and are interested
in AgriTourism as a way to sustain or diversify your farm or business,
you will want to be a member of the Hawai`i AgriTourism Association.
You can sign up by logging on to www.hiagtourism.org
We have members on every island to answer your questions and help you
become a member of this new and exciting statewide organization. Here
are the contacts by island:
Oahu – Jill Coryell 808-637-9995 –
Hawaii Island – Ken Love 808-323-2417 –
Maui – Lani Weigert 808-283-3777 –
Molokai – Brenda Kaneshiro 808-558-8204 –
Lanai – Alberta deJetley 808-565-9331 –
Kauai – Darla Domingo 808- 635-6195 -
We look forward to welcoming you as a member of our organization.
Sign up today and become a part of creating
Hawai‘i's Healthy Economy!"
Mahalo!
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