Here are a few paragraphs from the future farmer book I am working on.  This part is from a section that discusses alternative enterprise opportunities that you could consider for your farm.  Enjoy!

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"Closely related to the concept of “eco-tourism,” agri-tourism is defined by the University of California's Small Farm Center as “a commercial enterprise at a working farm, ranch, or agricultural plant conducted for the enjoyment of visitors that generates supplemental income for the owner.”

Agri-tourism can take numerous forms, ranging from simple roadside stands and wine tastings to full-blown 1-2 week seminars during which guests actually put on their rubber boots and overalls, pick up hoes and rakes and learn about farm operations first hand – paying for the opportunity of course. (Such programs may also offer college or university credit.)

It's not all work, of course; although there are some tourists who are willing to get their hands dirty for the sake of greater knowledge and understanding of the origins of food, most want what most tourists want – entertainment, recreation, fun, relaxation and good food and drink (and lots of it).

Fortunately, there are ways to integrate all of these into the operation of a small farm, increasing its profitability.

Forward to the Past - Again

Many elements of “agri-tourism” are not new. Roadside fruit and vegetable stands have long been a fixture of the nation's rural highways, and city “farmer's markets” have become increasingly popular over the past few decades. These are frequently the subject of articles in publications such as Sunset and Journeys (a magazine put out by the American Automobile Association for its members).

Farmers' markets and roadside stands benefit both food producer and consumer, largely because the “middleman” has been eliminated. It allows the farmer to get a better price for his/her produce, while the consumer is getting food that is fresher and closer to its source. It can also be an educational experience, as farmer and consumer get an opportunity to interact first-hand. (Better-buying experience /whole foods)

The U-Pick Phenomenon

The “U-Pick” farm is not a new institution, either – and also offers many advantages, the most obvious of which is the elimination of labor costs as well as the middleman. Customers come and pick their own produce straight out of the field. This produce still commands prices comparable to those charged at traditional retail outlets. The difference of course is that the farmer now pockets the entire amount instead of giving half (or more) to the rest of the distribution chain.

There are downsides to U-Pick. We’ll examine some of those in a later section on matching your choices as a farmer to your choices as a person. And depending on your location, the amount of traffic you might reasonably generate for your U-Pick operation may limit its scope. But for the right farm, a U-Pick operation can relieve harvest of much of its physical burden and improve margins without a major capital investment.

B&B, R&R

The “bed and breakfast” is not a new institution either, but has grown in popularity over the past twenty years as an alternative to commercial/corporate chain motels and hotels. Often located in a home or building of historical significance, B&Bs offer not only a great deal of charm and intimacy that is lacking at the Marriott or Hilton, but offers guests a opportunity to make new friends and acquaintances in an intimate setting as well.

Another appeal to the farm-based bed and breakfast institution is the food, literally “straight off the farm.” This is a golden opportunity to showcase your farm's products – which can also be marketed to your guests directly. (At least one farm located just east of Seattle, Washington did a thriving business offering gourmet meals to guests featuring herbs, spices and produce grown right there on the premises, and its successor is still one of the top dining spots in the Puget Sound area. We'll take a closer look at this operation later on.)

Depending on the land upon which your farm sits and what the local environment has to offer, you might also offer campsites, opportunities for hunting and fishing, off-road biking, horseback riding and day hikes. As crowded national park facilities continue to deteriorate, family-owned farms and ranches offer an attractive alternative.

Such operations can conceivably have something to offer year 'round; if your farm is located a region with four distinct seasons, such as New England, the Rocky Mountains or the inland Northwest, you could be offering cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, and other types of seasonal recreation even when the rest of the farm is shut down by the weather."