Agri Food Tourism Development Program
The Agri Food Tourism Development Program (AFTD) has been developed to assist local agribusinesses to diversify and expand their tourism offerings.
What is the AFTD Program?
Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland, in collaboration with Destination Riverland and the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong Tourism Alliance, will be delivering the Agri Food Tourism Development (AFTD) Program over three stages through grant funding by the Australian Government under the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program (MDBEDP).
Through this staged process we intend to achieve:
The Program will focus primarily on towns located in the Riverland, including Berri, Barmera, Cobdogla, Loxton, and extending to Swan Reach.
The Program will be delivered in towns located in the Murraylands and Riverland, including Tailem Bend, Murray Bridge, Mannum, Blanchetown, Morgan and Waikerie.
Will enable participants to collaborate across the region and open up opportunities to develop region-wide agritourism experiences.
How will the Program achieve its goals?
The AFTD Program will provide opportunities for agribusinesses to leverage from the increasing consumer demand for knowledge of food provenance, including regional and farm stories behind the produce they consume.
The Program will bring food and agritourism experts to the region to work with local agri- and food businesses who are interested in expanding and diversifying into agri- and food tourism opportunities, such as farm stays, farm tours, ‘pick your own’ trails, and local food experiences and tastings.
Participating businesses will be provided with the resources to initiate and grow business opportunities and to develop relationships between local producers, and purveyors of local food and beverage.
Advice from select experts is provided free of charge to AFTD Program participants.
What is Agritourism?
“A tourism related experience or product that connects agricultural products, people or places with visitors on a farm or rural land.”
According to Australian Regional Tourism, over 7 million visitors seek agritourism (farm gate and winery) experiences in Australia each year, with a total value of around $11 billion to the Australian economy. And it’s growing! Between December 2016 and 2017, domestic farm gate stays increased by 65%, and international overnight farm gate visits increased by 81%.
In recognition of this trend, of our region’s strengths in agribusiness, and our connection with the Murray River, Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland, Destination Riverland and the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong Tourism Alliance have combined efforts to maximise the agritourism potential across our region.
Activities, Experts & Producer’s Bios…
Our Action – Based on community feedback
Honey gets its colour and flavour from the nectar of flowers visited by the bees. Our honey is straight from the hives. All-natural, no processing, put into the tub at Mypolonga.
Simon & Sally Peacock, Bakehouse Farm Produce
If you’ve ever tasted a delicious chocolate-covered apricot in South Australia, then there’s a good chance it was from us.
People from all over Australia come and taste our apricots, then go back to their local supermarkets and tell them they need to stock ours.
Kathy & Paul Prosser, Aussie Apricots
Conserving the planet, while making beautiful wine, has always been our goal.
Banrock Station always blows people away when they arrive. The best part of my job is seeing their faces when they take in the sheer size and beauty of our property.
Amy Kelly, Banrock Station Cellar Door Manager
