From roadside produce stalls and wine regions to educational experiences and farm stay accommodation, regional and rural Queensland is abounding with authentic agritourism experiences. Food, fibre and foliage experiences are being increasingly sought after as consumers desire to better understand where their produce comes from, learn how it is created and experience the ultimate in low food miles. Fast becoming an important sector of the Queensland economy and estimated to be worth around $4.5 billion to the state economy by 2030, agritourism is providing direct and indirect benefits to the state’s agribusinesses and regional economies.
To capitalise on the exciting opportunities the sector could provide, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has partnered with the state government to deliver the Queensland Agritourism Grants program, offering a 50 per cent co-contribution up to a maximum of $25,000 to match farmers’ funds. While agritourism provides opportunities for farmers to grow their businesses, there are relevant considerations including safety, animal welfare and biosecurity, land-use planning and other regulatory requirements, business structures, succession plans and tax implications. These grants will assist farmers to establish or expand into agritourism by employing professional or specialist services, or constructing or modifying on-farm infrastructure in line with these important factors, allowing them to play a positive role in growing sustainable tourism.
Agritourism allows farmers to showcase their beautiful and highly diverse natural environment while providing an opportunity to supplement their income and market their produce through alternative channels, often attracting a premium price, or capturing additional margin, while gathering direct feedback from end consumers about their produce. With Queenslanders increasingly looking to explore their own backyard through unique, authentic experiences that immerse them in rural and regional communities, the Christmas holiday period is the perfect to capitalise on valuable tourism dollars. We encourage farmers to apply for a Queensland Agritourism Grant to help strengthen our agricultural sector, promote agritourism and educate Queenslanders on where their food comes from. While consumers are reminded to continue shopping locally to support the state’s agricultural sector.
Apply for a Queensland Agritourism Grant: www.qff.org.au/projects/agritourism.