Farmers' Perceptions of the Opportunities and Perceived Challenges of the Agritourism Industry in North Carolin

Agritourism is a viable alternative farm enterprise that can provide both economic and non-economic opportunities to farmers. This study explores some of the opportunities inherent in agritourism and perceived importance to farmers for farm viability in their counties. It also identified the major challenges facing agritourism operators that constrain industry growth and expansion. An assessment of the agritourism industry using binomial tests and estimation revealed a few of farm and operator characteristics that influences farmers' perception of the agritourism industry to the economic viability of North Carolina farming industry. Among the variables that have statistical significant effect are: Farm organization, Total acreage owned and, Total acreage deemed unsuitable for crop production, Public access to farm for recreational use, Educational background of the operator. Distance of farm from a central city in the county and Age of farm's principal operator did not show statistical significant effect on farmers' perception. Results of this study will help improve the understanding of agritourism Industry in North Carolina, as it intends to inform policy makers, farmers and the public about the nature of agritourism activities and the extent to which these activities enhance agricultural viability thereby promoting rural economic development. Results of opportunities and challenges should provide recommendations for addressing the needs of farmers especially small and socially-disadvantaged farmers in North Carolina who are involved with agritourism or farmers who have the intent of diversifying their farm operations.