9/1/2011
Vacationers looking for a break from the beach or just a fun day-trip should check out one of the more than 250 agritourism attractions that can be found throughout the Mountain State.
A detailed listing is available at
www.visitwestvirginiafarms.com. The directory is indexed by region to help travelers plan their trips.
Besides providing family-friendly fun, a West Virginia agritourism vacation benefits the state’s economy and helps keep farmers on the farm, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass.
“Agritourism provides alternative income options for West Virginia farmers. With the highest percentage of family owned and operated farms in the nation, West Virginia families have the potential to lead the nation in this niche,” said Commissioner Douglass. “Visitors to West Virginia – as well as natives – are attracted to our state’s rural heritage, unique cuisine and world-renowned hospitality.”
“Nationally, more than 52,000 farms are engaged in agritourism activities,” said WVDA Marketing Specialist Cindy Martel. “Surveys suggest that more than 75 percent of travelers use the internet to find and book activities. The combination of a print publication and internet resource will provide the traveling public with up-to-date information about our state’s superb attractions.”
The state’s agritourism initiative is funded, in part, through grants and support from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Federal State Market Improvement Program and the West Virginia Division of Tourism’s Matching Grant program.
Contact Information
Buddy Davidson, Communications Officer
304-558-3708; 304-541-5932 (cell)
bdavidson@ag.state.wv.us