Ethanol Makers Join Food Vs. Fuel Debate

Paul Brees measures popcorn during a news conference in Johnston, Iowa, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007. Eleven bags of popcorn were displayed to show what $5 could buy directly from a farmer, as compared a large bag of movie popcorn for the same price, or more. Some in the food industry are blaming the growing ethanol industry and its demand for corn for causing an increase in food prices. (AP Photo/Amy Lorentzen) (Amy Lorentzen - AP)

Young's son, Ben, said the key to the family's success was starting small and growing slowly. He said agritourism typically begins with a roadside stand, then expands to include interactive attractions, such as pick-your-own produce, and finally graduates to year-round activities that require parking lots and restrooms.

Young said one of the biggest challenges is public relations.

"Someone has to be there to greet the guests and make them feel welcome, and the farmers themselves can't always do that if they're working," he said.

Once the infrastructure is in place, farmers need to determine how much advertising they can afford.

Those who cannot afford radio, television or newspaper advertising should seek out a good desktop publishing system and go the route of homemade newsletters, fliers and Web sites, said Mikesell-Wireman. Farmers may also want to entice visitors by offering free roadside samples or special discounts, she said.

Mikesell-Wireman said farmers often encounter roadblocks in trying to start an agritourism venture because they are unaware of the regulations.

Even a simple venture, such as an apple orchard opened to the public, comes with concerns, she said.

For example, if students make field trips to a farm during school days, roads must be a certain width to allow bus access. Water from a well might be the natural choice for farmers in some areas, but the smell of sulfur is often a turnoff for visitors from the city, she said.

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On the Net:

Center for Innovative Food Technology: http://www.eisc.org/