Agri Food Tourism Development Program
The Agri Food Tourism Development (AFTD) Program was developed to assist local agribusinesses in diversifying and expanding their tourism offerings.
Project Completed
The Agri Food Tourism Development (AFTD) Program was delivered by RDAMR in collaboration with Destination Riverland and the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong Tourism Alliance.
The program concluded following its successful multi-stage rollout. While no longer active, the AFTD Program continues to support agribusiness diversification, enhance local food experiences and strengthen the region’s agritourism sector.
What was the AFTD Program?
Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland, in collaboration with Destination Riverland and the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong Tourism Alliance, delivered the Agri Food Tourism Development (AFTD) Program across three stages. The program was supported through grant funding from the Australian Government under the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program (MDBEDP).
Through this staged program, the project aimed to:
Stage 1 focused on Riverland towns including Berri, Barmera, Cobdogla, Loxton, and extended to Swan Reach.
Stage 2 covered towns in the Murraylands and Riverland including Tailem Bend, Murray Bridge, Mannum, Blanchetown, Morgan, and Waikerie.
Stage 3 enabled collaboration across the region, creating opportunities for region-wide agritourism experiences.
How did the Program achieve its goals?
The AFTD Program provided opportunities for agribusinesses to leverage growing consumer demand for food provenance and storytelling.
The program:
- Brought food and agritourism experts to the region
- Supported local agri- and food-based businesses to explore and expand into agritourism offerings like:
- Farm stays
- Farm tours
- Pick-your-own produce trails
- Local tasting experiences
- Helped build relationships between local producers and food/beverage purveyors
- Provided free expert advice to participating businesses
- Supplied tools and knowledge to help participants initiate and grow business opportunities in the tourism space
What is Agritourism?
Agritourism is defined as “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, more than 7 million visitors in Australia seek agritourism (farm gate and winery) experiences annually, contributing around $11 billion to the national economy.
Between December 2016 and 2017:
- Domestic farm gate stays increased by 65%
- International overnight farm gate visits increased by 81%
Recognising this trend—and the region’s strengths in agribusiness and proximity to the Murray River—the three partner organisations worked together to maximise agritourism potential across the Murraylands and Riverland.
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
