By: NATHAN STUEDLE
Farmers interested in expanding into agritourism may have a new source of financial assistance. Airbnb and American Farmland Trust are launching a grant program offering farmers up to 10-thousand dollars to prepare properties for overnight guests or develop agritourism experiences. Eligible projects could include renovating guest accommodations or creating activities such as apple picking, farm-to-table dinners, wine tastings and agricultural workshops.
The groups will also offer webinars covering how to create Airbnb listings, welcome guests and develop a long-term agritourism business. Airbnb says additional income from visitors can help farmers remain on their land during difficult economic periods. The program comes as many producers look for alternative revenue sources amid high input costs, volatile commodity markets and weather uncertainty.