In the pursuit of mindful living and conscious consumption, regenerative agritourism emerges as a beacon of sustainable harmony, weaving together the threads of mindful stewardship, ecological balance, and agricultural heritage. In this article, we delve into the essence of regenerative agritourism, exploring its transformative potential and the profound connections it fosters between land, farmers, and visitors.

We have all heard the word sustainable or regenerative so much that it has lost some of its meaning. Regenerative agritourism is not just about visiting farms or rural landscapes; it's a philosophy, a way of life that embodies respect for the earth and its ecosystems. It's about recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and understanding our role as stewards of the land. And who better to be the stewards than farmers, already in this pursuit.

74% of people would choose a sustainable tourism operation over others, and many were willing to pay more. (I'm sorry I forgot the percentage. It was around 40-60%.) The statistics taken from the Southwest Tourism Conference's tourism trends presentation were based on travellers under 44.

Imagine stepping onto a farm not merely as a passive observer but as a participant in a delicate dance with nature. Regenerative agritourism encourages this active engagement, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rhythms of farm life, from planting and harvesting to tending to animals and nurturing the soil. Allowing your visitors to really embrace and get to know your land. These types of meaningful experiences are what people are desperately craving. Connection, getting to know the real farmer and place. And these types of experiences are worth more to people and your business. People feel they are getting more value from their money.

Designing with the Sun and Nature in mind

Central to the concept of regenerative agritourism is the idea of borrowing the land – We are here for a short period of time in the life of the world and human culture. We are borrowing the use of the land, but someone else needs to use it next. How do you want to receive a used piece of clothing? Tattered and torn, or well cared for, patched maybe, but wearable.

Moreover, regenerative agritourism is rooted in the principle of leaving the land better than we found it. It's about more than just minimizing our ecological footprint; it's about actively regenerating and rejuvenating the landscapes we inhabit. Through regenerative practices, farmers and visitors alike contribute to the restoration of biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem resilience, ensuring that future generations can continue to thrive on this land.

Imagine feeding 3000 cyclists 7 meals! That’s 63,000 plastic utensils! VELO Quebec Petit Adventure 2023

So after that lamenting and hopefully inspiring, what does it practically mean? Here are some areas and examples.

REDUCE WASTE

– Velo Quebec runs a family-oriented bike trip each year. When you arrive, you are given a set of real camp utensils. You are responsible for washing, keeping track of, and bringing your utensils to each meal! You can even bring your own to the event. This is super practical, eliminating waste.

REDUCE ENERGY

– This one is close to my heart as a big part of your operation is the building's energy use. When you design your buildings, you have a choice about how to do this. Will you be better than the code minimum? Will you take passive strategies into account? Will you invest without ROI? You can also purchase carbon offsets.

LOCAL

– Do you endeavour to source and supply the local economy chain before going global? If you want your locals to support you, you need to do the same. Pearle Hospitality is aiming for organic farm certification and supplying its restaurant with its own and only local food.

OPERATIONS

– How do you operate your farm? Apple Hill Lavender Farm practices what it preaches. It is a regenerative farm on its way to meeting the UN's sustainable goals. Operations include everything from the actual farming to your administrative processes. People will see right through you if you don’t walk the talk!

CONNECTION & STORY

– Make sure you really connect with your visitors. We all know goat yoga! What a special connection with the goats. Or allow your visitors to help with chores (yes, people will pay you to do work! No guarantees on helpfulness). Tell your story. All you need to do is listen to Bobbi Rose Koe’s story, and you’ll want to go to the Yukon and paddle Wind River! Her trips have an amazing way of slowing time and allowing you to disconnect. You can find more about her here!

Wood for the beams and wainscotting was all milled from the Brooks Farm’s bush!

Where to start?

• The UN has 17 sustainable goals. Looking at these and figuring out what you can do about them is a good start. Read about it here.

• Your local tourism marketing group can guide you. You can look for it here.

• Impact has a sustainable tourism conference in May. Learn more about this event here.

• Southwest Tourism (Rural Tourism Organization) can guide you through green steps evaluation to see where you stand in the world and where you can improve.

• To learn more about sustainable high-performance buildings, you can check out our blog

But regenerative agritourism is not just about sustainability – it's also about community and connection. It's about forging meaningful relationships between farmers and visitors, bridging the gap between urban and rural, and celebrating the rich tapestry of agricultural traditions and cultures. Experience-based tourism is in demand.

By embracing regenerative agritourism, we embark on a journey of discovery and transformation, reconnecting with the land, our food, and each other in profound and meaningful ways. So, whether you're a seasoned farmer or a city dweller craving a taste of the countryside, consider venturing into the world of regenerative agritourism – where every step is a mindful stride towards a more sustainable and harmonious future.