References available in french only


AGRITOURISM
Background

Agritourism first emerged approximately 30 years ago as a cottage industry, and hit its commercial stride at the end of the 1980s. The enthusiastic public response since the 1990s has led to the current number of agritourism initiatives, and to increasingly diverse and increasingly sophisticated undertakings.

Definition

The Groupe de concertation sur l’agrotourisme au Québec is a collaboration between various partners, who have agreed on the following definition of agritourism:

“Agritourism is an industry complementary to agriculture; the term refers to tourism activities taking place in an agri-business context. Agritourism connects farmers and tourists, allowing visitors to experience agricultural life, farming and production alongside their host.”

Rural tourism, meanwhile, refers to tourism activities taking place in rural environments, but not on farms.

It is imperative that agritourism initiatives be mindful of the environment in which they are developed, and that they be coordinated and integrated with rural and agricultural life.

 


Sector
Profile

 

Over 700 producers currently work in the agritourism industry, concentrated mostly in suburban areas. Approximately 60 % of agritourism businesses are located in the Laurentians, in the Montérégie, in Estrie, in the Chaudière-Appalaches and in Lanaudière. An estimated 2 million Quebecers are involved in agritourism at some point each year.

 

Agritourism
Products

There are several possible components of agritourism:
Farm visits.
Promotion and sale of related products.
Dining and food service showcasing agricultural products.
Accommodations.
The most traditional and popular offerings are linked to maple syrup and to apples; Quebec’s various regions and inventive producers nonetheless boast a surprising array of activities and products, including wineries, sheep farms, goat farms, apiaries, cattle farms, berry farms, big game, cheese factories, restaurants and accommodations.

Some producers are not only proficient farmers, but have also mastered the fine art of libations, gourmet meats, posh preserves and cheeses worthy of the most devoted foodie


 

Effects of
Agritourism

 

Agritourism can play many roles
Agritourism’s economic benefits include:

Diversification of agricultural revenue.
Strengthening of agricultural marketing.
Support and diversification of regional economic development.
Social, educational and tourism-related advantages include:
Increased public awareness of everyday agricultural life.
Increased understanding of land use.
Broader knowledge of agricultural professions and practices.
Innovative and diverse tourism opportunities.

An outing in the country is a good way to relax, have fun and recharge your batteries, and is all the more invigorating if the experience is authentic and instructive. Consumers looking for fresh, high-quality foods are sure to be satisfied!

To find out more, please see our sector overview, the outcome of research on the social functions of agritourism as a link between residents of urban centres and the agricultural sector.

 

 

The UPA
and agritourism

 

Working Committee
In 2006, the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) developed a working committee on agritourism, made up of producers working in agritourism as well as other stakeholders, whose mandate is to:

Increase the UPA’s involvement in agritourism by specifying the organizational structures needed to respond to needs of producers.

Contribute to the development of agritourism in Quebec by providing promotional, marketing, quality and regulatory support to agritourism initiatives.
Contribute to the development of an optimal model of agriculture by promoting agritourism as a rural development strategy.
Research
A study on the role of agritourism as a link between residents of urban areas and agriculture is currently underway. Funded by the Conseil de développement de l’agriculture du Québec (CDAQ), the study aims to broaden knowledge and understanding of the agritourism sector, to establish a socio-economic development plan for agritourism and to foster partnerships with tourism industry stakeholders.
The Grands prix du tourisme québécois
The UPA is a proud partner of the Grands prix du tourisme québécois. In 2007, the new prize category “Agritourism and Regional Products” was created to reflect the growing agritourism industry. Winners are listed here.
Members of the Groupe de concertation sur l’agrotourisme au Québec
Founded in 1998, the Groupe de concertation sur l’agrotourisme au Québec was the brainchild of Tourisme Québec, the MAPAQ and the UPA. The organization’s mission—the promotion and development of agritourism—is reflected in its 2007 – 2010 action plan.

The 2007 – 2010 Action Plan priorities focus on three issues:
Organization
Quality
Promotion and marketing
The Groupe de concertation sur l’agrotourisme au Québec has since established other partnerships, with the Association des centres locaux de développement du Québec (ACLDQ), regional tourism associations, the Fédération des Agricotours, the Fédération québécoise des organisations locales de tourisme (FQOLT), the Tables de concertation agroalimentaire du Québec (TCAQ) and the Réseau agrotouristique et agroalimentaire de Lanaudière (RAAL).

The Groupe de concertation sur l’agrotourisme au Québec has also developed various quality, marketing, regulatory, business and organizes tools business and organizational tools for the agritourism industry.
 

 

Agritourism
Web Directory

 

Agrotourismequebec.com is a new web portal operated by the Fédération des Agricotours du Québec with financial support from Tourisme Québec and the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ). The site lists over 700 farms offering accommodations, dining and gift shops featuring local and regional foods, and educational activities for the whole family. The site also suggests day trips, promotes agritourism routes and features personalized trip planning tools.

You can now organize thematic or regional trips anywhere in Quebec. The website also provides the contact information of each producer. Whether you’re looking for a day trip, a weekend outing or vacation plans, Agrotourismequebec will make agri-touring the province easier.

 

Partnerships