Farm tourism in full bloom in rural San Diego

The contributions of agritourism to farmers and to the enjoyment of California's non-farm population is on display in San Diego County like no place else.

The annual blazing array of colors in the flower fields of Carlsbad has attracted visitors for six or seven decades at that location or elsewhere. It was natural for farm neighbors and others to capitalize on that springtime traffic stream to provide other attractions that appeal to city folks.

Everything from working farms to roadside stands, from petting zoos to apple picking and apple pie desserts is part of the magnet that draws urban visitors to the great San Diego County outdoors. It is home to farms and farm-centered ventures that are part of the 10th-largest farm economy among California counties.

Vying with the Carlsbad flower growers as one of the oldest tourist attractions in the county is Julian, a historic mining town in the hills northeast of San Diego. It is home to several apple orchards, which produce the content for thousands of pies that are sold each year to post-harvest visitors.

Agritourism is not taken aback if the visitors to Julian want to tour old mining sites before or after they enjoy their slice of apple pie or cup of apple cider. The entire community has undergone a vigorous restoration, renovation and remodeling project aimed at attracting and informing visitors about its history and its products. At 3,500 feet in elevation, its winter snow adds seasonal appeal

Interest in agritourism and its economic benefits was accelerated in the late 1990s when the University of California Cooperative Extension Service (UCCE) began promoting it statewide through its small-farm program. Its primary goal was to increase sales and income for farmers with small acreage.

Nobody is complaining as some relatively large farming operations have climbed aboard, offering pumpkin patches and Halloween-centered items, hay rides, farm tours, U-pick opportunities, wine tasting, farmers markets and more. One of the most unique San Diego County attractions is an ostrich farm. Some communities there have seized the occasion to establish annual festivals to celebrate historic dates and items beyond farm production.

The UCCE program encourages farmers to take advantage of agritourism if they can. It offers promotional tips, tells farmers what to expect, how to handle visits, how to obtain financing when necessary, what insurance liability they incur and how to account for and report income.

UCCE involvement from its Davis base is statewide, and information and materials are available to farmers through each county office. The program offers tourist maps and other guidance for potential visitors at its Web site, www.calagtour.org.

Bed-and-breakfast and other facilities abound for those planning a weekend excursion. But driving distances are reasonable for one-day outings. Either way, agriculture's lore and traditions are alive and well at the fingertips of San Diego County residents.

Like they have always said about agriculture, agritourism as well is a growing business. Urban friends can add to the growth while they enjoy a taste of farm life and its people and products. Go agritourism.