Rediscovering Our Roots: How Agritourism Brings People Back to the Farm

Jessica Murray

CEO and Co-Founder

I had a unique childhood, but it wasn’t until later in life that I truly appreciated how special it was. I grew up on the family farm in Southwest Washington, where I raised cows and pigs, made hay, planted trees, cut firewood, participated in 4-H, and enjoyed the rural farm life. In 1994, my parents purchased Lewcedar Acres, the farm I called home, which bordered the small farm my father had grown up on. My mother grew up on a farm just a few minutes down the road, the Zumstein Family Farm. This farm was purchased in 1942 by my Great-Grandfather, Joseph Zumstein, who immigrated from Switzerland in 1920.

Today, I live in Eastern Washington and teach hospitality and tourism management at the university level. Though I no longer live on a farm, the pull of rural life remains strong. I visit home often and seek out farms and agricultural experiences whenever I travel. Visiting farms in different places gives me a deeper understanding of their history, community, culture, and food. AgRooted was born from a desire to help others experience this connection, to foster a relationship between people and their food, build community, and support the farmers and agricultural operators that feed and clothe our country.

The United States of America was built as an agricultural nation, but over time, most of our population has moved into urban or suburban areas and no longer actively participates in food production or farming. As a nation, we have taken amazing strides forward, but I also believe we have lost something along the way. We have lost the sense of connection to our communities, our food, and the land itself.

Agritourism can act as a powerful way to reconnect with this way of life. Have you ever spent a weekend at a pumpkin patch? Picked strawberries, blueberries, apples, or other fresh produce? Cut down your own Christmas tree? If so, you’ve already participated in agritourism—a form of niche tourism where farms, ranches, orchards, and other agricultural operations open their doors to visitors. Through these experiences, farms share their culture, knowledge, and family stories, helping people understand and appreciate where their food comes from.

There are countless ways to enjoy agritourism, including farm stays, dude ranches, horseback riding, farm-to-table dinners, U-pick operations, fall festivals, cider pressing, and more. These experiences often reflect the region’s unique products and traditions, strengthening the bond between farmers and visitors.

Agritourism benefits farmers by providing additional income and fostering stronger community connections. It also helps the public develop a deeper appreciation for the land and the hardworking people who cultivate it. Overall, agritourism plays a vital role in promoting understanding, sustainability, and support for agriculture in local and national communities.

We passionately believe in the vital importance of farms and the transformative potential of agritourism. That’s why we are dedicated to building AgRooted, to simplify the process of discovering and engaging with agritourism experiences, and empower farms to showcase their unique stories and offerings to the world.

So, the next time you are visiting a new place or planning a weekend activity, consider an agricultural experience. Try something new, reconnect with nature, and experience a different way of life. You never know, you might even decide to become a farmer yourself.