Below are helpful guides and fact sheets for starting and operating an agritourism enterprise in California, many of which were created or co-created by the UC Agritourism Program. Much more information, including presentations, examples, and background information on various topics can be found on the corresponding pages under the Resources for Farmers & Ranchers tab.
Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California Handbook: This book was written to help farmers and ranchers determine their tourism potential and walk through the steps of establishing an agritourism enterprise. It includes easy-to-use worksheets and activities, including creating business and marketing plans.
Getting Started
- Getting Started in Agritourism Fact Sheet: This 2-page fact sheet provides an overview of the various considerations for deciding if agritourism is right for your business and how to get started.
- Spanish-language version: Como comenzar en el agroturismo en California
- Evaluating Your Resources Worksheet: Complete this worksheet to asses your potential and learn what agritourism activities are right for you, if any.
Operation/Activity Specific
- California Farm Stand Fact Sheet: This 2-page fact sheet provides an overview of how farm stands are defined and general guidelines for operating a farm stand.
- Spanish-language version: Hoja informative de puestos agricolas en California
- Agritourism Best Practices: How to Develop a Farm Stand: A guide from the Vermont Agritourism Collaborative
- Planning a U-Pick Operation on Your California Farm: This guide also includes a U-Pick Operation Partial Budget template.
- Guest Lodging on Your California Farm or Ranch: A practical guide including a budget template
- Conducting Farm and Ranch Tours Fact Sheet
- Agritourism Best Practices: How to Develop a Farm Tour: A guide from the Vermont Agritourism Collaborative
- Agritourism Best Practices: How to Host a Summer Camp: A guide from the Vermont Agritourism Collaborative
- The Big Event: Hosting a Festival on Your California Farm: This guide also includes a budget template for a farm festival
- Hosting Dinners on Your California Farm: This guide also includes a budget template for farm dinners
Agricultural Marketing Groups/Farm Trails
- Marketing Regional Farms and Wineries: A Guide for California Agricultural Marketing Groups
Videos
Regulations 101: Understanding and navigating the rules related to agritourism in California Navigating regulations relating to agritourism operations is complex. This video will share key information you need to know about regulations related to agritourism in California. Presented by Vince Trotter, Agricultural Ombuds and Sustainable Ag Coordinator, UCCE Marin County.