Things to See

Farm Tours
Farm tours are organized as educational tours using cropping systems and
patterns and
livestock as the main attraction. The aim of this farm tour is to make
awareness to the
visitors about the different types of crops and cultivation practices,
harvesting methods
and many more and different types of farm animals and animal husbandry
methods as
well the plight of the family farmer and create a positive image of agriculture
within the
visitors. Especially farm tours for school children can be organized as a
concept of reinvent agriculture where school children obtain knowledge on
real farm life.

Historical Re-creations
Agri tourism attraction on your farm can be created by displaying real or
models of
traditional agricultural implements, techniques and technologies. Some
attractions
grow out of the owners hobby collectionsold farm machinery and
equipment, seeds
of traditional crop varieties, traditional and environmentally friendly farm
buildings,
transportation modes, and photographs of old and traditional farming
techniques and
systems.

Processing Demonstrations
Visitors like to see food processing on your farm such as milling (with
traditional kurhan
gala), curd, yogurt and cheese production, homemade moju, pickles and
sauce production.
You can make it more attractive by including processing methods and
techniques with an
old timely avour that is healthier and environmentally friendly.

Crop art and Crop landscaping

Organize the farm with attractive landscaping with crops and design crop
arts. Most crop
art consists of various designs of horticultural and grain crops (eg: maize,
paddy) in a
feld and designs created by different coloured plantings. Such crop art is best
viewed
from the air or from a raised structure. There have also been proposals for
creating
mounds-like structures with outlined in edible native plants. Also a model
home garden
can be prepared and it will be attracted by the both urban and suburban
visitors. There
are professional crop artists / crop landscapers and it is wise to get
consultancies from
such professional, in planning and building crop art in your farm.
An example of crop art is the veggie salad concept, a subspecies of crop
art. With this
concept a section of the farm is designed as artful veggie salad and a feld is
organised
to a circular arrangement of vegetable crops. Pie-shaped wedges of
cucumbers, lettuce,
tomatoes, and other crops that represent veggie salad ingredients are
planted. This is
reportedly one of the fastest-growing types of crop art.
Models of urban agriculture, water features with water plants and fsh, paths
that are
covered with arches with various types vines (fruits, vegetables and herbs),
model herbal
gardens are different types of crop arts that can attract visitors both adults
and children .

Natural features
An outstanding natural feature on a farm may become a tourist attractiona
waterfall, a
jungle, a stream, or a spectacular view of mountains. Water is a popular
natural attraction;
sometimes natural features of interest to a visitor may have been overlooked
by the
farmer.

Petting zoos
One of the very best things you can organize in a farm for agri tourism
promotion is
to have farm animals and pets of all different kinds. Especially petting zoo in
a farm is
attracted by children. There are many animal friends you can have in the
petting zoo,
including ponies, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, and many
more.. Children
can feed the animals, too. They love that. The petting zoo is free for the
children, but you
can have a sales outlet to sell feeds for the animals which will give you an
income and
free food for your animals.

Things to Do

Educational activities
The educational activities offered on farms range from half day classes or
short-term
workshops to full-scale, accredited courses of study. Farm schools
accommodate interns
or apprentices, and charge tuition for the learning opportunity. Some farms
offer classes in
cooking, arranging owers, or making herbal medicines. They depend on
these activities
to help build a clientele for their main products. Farms have traditionally
offered feld
days, sometimes sponsored by a farm organization or provincial government.
Many farm
tours are also considered as an educational activity. Most of these farm tours
are guided
by an expert in the farm and what they describe and explain is an education
on the farm.
Children like to involve in various farming activities starting from nursery
preparation
to harvesting.

U-Pick ups (Pick U own)

A U-pick or pick-your-own farm is a type of farm where visitors are allowed to
harvest
their own produce. Generally, u pickups are practiced with vegetables, fruits
and owers.
Visitors to do the milking at dairy farm are also considered as a type of u
pickup. Since
visitors are allowed to eat while picking, an entry fee usually covers any
produce
customers may eat. Despite this, the produce at U-pick farms often cost
lower since the
cost of hiring farmers to harvest the produce is precluded.
Pick-your-own (PYO) or U-pick operations are a type of direct marketing
system where
visitors harvest fruits, vegetables, owers by themselves. U-pick is often
preferred by
visitors who like to select fresher, higher quality, vine ripened produce at
reasonable
prices. Also, many visitors enjoy picking produce themselves as a
recreational event or
outing. U pickups also can serve as an additional selling method for
producers who use
other direct and non-direct marketing alternatives.
If you allow PYOs in your farm you have to have a well organise farm with
sign boards
to show the crops and information on cultivation and to show the directions,
one or two
workers to guide the visitors and facilities to purchase the picked products.

Petting zoos/childrens enjoyments/pony back riding/hayrides

Ponies, rabbits, ducks, lambs, baby goats, calves, and piglets are certain
attractions for
both city children and their parents. Pony and bullock cart rides are part of
the mix.

BBQ by own
You can make available visitors to prepare their own BBQ at the farm under a
tree or
close to a bush.

Therapy
If there is a stream or large pond is available in the farm you can organise
fsh therapy
and it will be a very good activity. Also you can organise paths where visitors
can get foot
therapy. Apart from these different kinds of herbal medicinal therapy can be
introduced.

Things to Buy

Food and Beverages

You can organise a restaurant in your farm where you can sell cooked food
from farm
products and drinks. King coconuts and young coconuts are favours of
visitors. Fresh
fruit drinks and herbal drinks both hot and cold are good options. However,
dont sell
factory made artifcial drinks. Fresh milk and milk products are preferred by
both children
and their parents. Homemade ice cream and sweets, sandwiches, fresh fruit,
barbecue,
and roasting fsh are all possibilities for ready-to-eat food sales.

Gifts and souvenirs

You can have a gift and souvenir shop at the restaurant premises. It is
important to have
your gift items represent your farm, something that is actually produced
locally. Stick to
a theme, something that truly represents the uniqueness of your farm and
your region.
T-shirts, pens, mugs, caps and hats, processed food bottles, wood carvings,
pottery, and
decorative items such as fresh and dried owers and hand loomed cloths are
examples
of gift and souvenirs.

Fresh and processed food stuf

Visitors prefer to buy fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, milk and eggs from your
farm. Also
you can organise to prepare processed food for sale. Homemade brinjal
moju, lime
pickle, tomato sauce, mango chutney, ambrella chutney, butter, crude,
yogurt, and cheese
are examples of processed food that can be sold at your farm shop.
Your agri tourism enterprise can attract two types of visitors. They are day
visitors and
overnight stay visitors.

Visitors connected with agriculture and day visitors it is offered as a

tourist
product directly connected with agricultural environment, agricultural
products
(half a day seminar, feld visit, u pickups, open air festivals, one day / half a
day
product tour, local holidays, etc.).
Tourist stays on the farm (farm tourism) this form of tourism is tightly
connected
with the place of stay and tasks that are done at the farm. The stay on the
farm can
be connected with different interests (e.g.; Bird watching, sport fshing,
hiking,
pony riding, etc.)
The owner of the agri tourism farm, has to take into account the needs of
potential
tourists ranging from these basic requirements something to see, something
to do and
something to buy. These needs can be fulled by properly adjusting elements
of agri
tourism to meet the needs. Among these elements organization of
accommodation on
the proper level, attractions of the environment, accessibility of every-day
facilities and
forms of spending the leisure time are very important. Hospitality is the most
important
intangible asset required for your agri tourism business

I
MINIMUM STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

Section 3. Minimum Standard Requirements. For purposes of

accreditation,
the following are the minimum standard requirements for the operation and
maintenance of agri-tourism/farm sites:
a. Location. The farm shall be situated in a generally safe and
peaceful location.
b. Facilities/Amenities (for day and farm resorts). The farm shall have
the following facilities/amenities, or can also be available in the
nearest service area at least not more than two hours drive from
the farm, in addition to the existing facilities necessary for its
regular operation:
1. Reception/Information Counter - an info counter or a
reception area shall be designated where guests can inquire
about the farms tour offerings, services or amenities. It can
also serve as briefing area for the tour.
2. Parking - parking area with designated drop-off/loading
area shall be provided for buses and other public as well as
private vehicles.
3. Dining/Multi-Purpose Area - there shall be a dining,
recreational and activity area for guests. Picnic grounds shall
use outdoor fixtures made of indigenous materials in keeping
with the farm setting.
4. Farm Guide - Farm guides shall accompany the tour group
during the entire conduct of the farm tour. They shall provide
information on farm operations, processes, products and
other unique features of the farm.
5. Souvenir Shop/ Mini-Trading Area - There shall be a
souvenir shop or mini-trading post to provide guests with a
place to purchase the farms produce (fresh or processed)
and/or negotiate for possible business partnerships or
transactions.
6. Accommodation (for farm resorts only) - There shall be
accommodation facilities which shall comply with the
minimum standard requirements of an accommodation
facility of the DOT.
7. Restaurant (for farm resorts only) - There shall be a
restaurant or catering service within the farm resorts
premises to cater to the dining needs of visitors / guests.
c. Infrastructure - Support infrastructure facilities shall be in place
such as road, electricity, water and communication.
CHAPTER IV
GENERAL RULES ON THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
OF AGRI-TOURISM/FARM SITES
Section 4. Operation. The farm shall be in operation for at least three (3)
months
in a year.
Section 5. Safety and Security. To ensure safety and security, the following
shall be available:
a. Security Personnel - Security personnel shall be on duty on a 24-hour
basis to ensure the safety of guests;
b. Safety Signages - Appropriate safety signages shall be conspicuously
displayed within agri-tourism/farm site;
c. Off Limit Areas - Off Limit areas shall be clearly demarcated. Access
to these areas shall be roped-off or blocked. Public areas shall be
specifically designated;
d. Fire Fighting Facilities - There shall be firefighting facilities within the
farm;
e. First Aid Kit - A well-stocked first aid kit shall be made available at all
times;
f. Farm Equipment - Farm equipment shall have proper parking or
storage areas. Farm equipment, purposely put on display, shall be
roped-off from visitors.
Section 6. Sanitation. The following sanitary facilities shall be provided:
a. Wash Areas - There shall be designated wash areas within the farm
with ample amenities such as continues ow of clean water, soap,
hand towel or tissue paper.
b. Restrooms - There shall be separate clean and well-maintained
restrooms for male and female. Bathrooms shall also be provided, if
applicable.
c. Garbage Cans - There shall be garbage cans in all activity areas.
d. Garbage Disposal/Waste Management - Garbage/waste disposal shall
adhere to sustainable methods and techniques geared towards
environmental protection

Examples of agri-tourism activities

Overnight stays: Lodging and camping

bed and breakfast
camp sites
youth camp
farm vacation (farm stays, feeding animals, picking fruit/vegetables)
rental cabin for day trips/picnics
weddings, receptions, honeymoons
Special events and festivals
music festivals
haunted house, haunted hay ride
holiday celebrations
harvest festivals
Of the farm
 Farmers markets
Vendor at state and county fairs
Roadside produce stands
Recreation activities and events
fee fishing
skeet shooting
canoe livery
biking
corn maze
horseback riding
3-D archery course fee hunting
bird watching
hiking
hang gliding
hot air balloon rides
rock climbing/rappelling
cross country skiing

Amenities
Slides
High Rope/Obstacle Course
Zip Line (500 Meters)
Wall Climbing
Rappeling
Wind Mill
Jacuzzi
Hanging Bridge
Cave Pool
Cave Bar
Adult Pools
Kiddie Pools
Multi-purpose Hall/Function Room
Life-size figures of Animals
Canteen/Store
Souvenir/Gift Shop
Basketball Court
Summer Activities
During Summer, we are adding more activities for your Summer excitement:
 Live Bands during Saturdays & Sundays

Fire Dancers during Saturdays & Sundays

Running Water (Fresh water) during Day Swimming every Saturdays &
Sundays
Other activities.

Villas
Suite Villas
Family Suite Villas
Pool Villas
Garden Villas
Barkada Villas

Resort facilities

Pool
Shanti Spa Center
Sauna
Steam
Volcanic Ash Pool
Mud Pool
Jacuzzi
Massage Rooms
Treatment Area
Shower Rooms
Mini Gym
Outdoor Gazebos
Outdoor Treatment Areas
Outdoor Body Massage Areas
Restaurants
Altitude Caf
Rainforest Bar
Lobby
BusinessCenter
Gift Shop
Mosque
Banquet Area
Multi-purpose
 Childrens Wonderland
Maya Bird Sanctuary
Monarch Buttery Sanctuary
Hidden Man-Made Falls With Pool
Outdoor Labyrinth
Helicopter Pad (Heliport)

Fresh products and value-added products:

Tourism-enhanced direct marketing

pick your own fruit/vegetables
sell canned foods on farm: apple butter, relishes, wine, honey, jams and
jellies
sell herbal/organic products: candles, salves, tinctures, potpourri, wool,
handmade
sweaters
Youth and/or adult education
organized tours: school groups, senior groups, church groups, tour groups
agricultural education programs: how to grow apples, how to care for cattle
nature education programs: wildlife, trees
demonstrations: goat cheese making, wine making, honey making, apple
butter
making, heritage crafts
The standards required for Agri Tourism Farm
The following minimum standards are required for operation and running an
agri tourism
farm.
a. Location: The farm shall be located at a generally accessible place to
visitors. It
should be a safe and peaceful location.
b. Facilities/ Amenities: The farm shall have the following facilities/ amenities
in
addition to required must facilities to operate an agri tourism farm.
Reception counter (place) Reception area is needed to welcome visitors /
guests
and provide information about farm operations, farm tours offered, services
and
other facilities to them
Parking area: Vehicle parking area is needed. It shall be closer to the
reception
area.
Dining place: There shall be a dining place or area for the visitors. It can be
the restaurant of the farm. The dining area can be planned to attract visitors
by
organizing recreational and activity area adjoining to the dining place.
Farm guide: There shall be farm tour guides who accompany with the
visitors
for a farm tour. They shall provide information on farm operations, processes,
products, and other unique features of the farm.
Farm shop: There shall be farm shop where visitors can buy the farm
produce
(fresh and processed) and souvenirs from the farm.
Accommodation facilities: Accommodation facilities shall be provided
according to the required standards, if farm is operated as farm resort.
c. Infrastructure: Support infrastructure facilities such as internal roads,
walking
paths, electricity and lighting, clean water for drinking, cooking and washing
purposes and communication are needed.
d. Safety and Security: To ensure safety and security there must be following
facilities.
Security Personnel: There should be a service of 24 hours on duty security
personnel to ensure the safety of guests
Safety Signages: Appropriate safety signages must be displayed in the agri
tourism
farm premises and at the reception. A notice shall be displayed informing
about
the safety signages.
No entry areas: No entry areas shall be clearly demarcated. Access to
these
areas shall be blocked and public areas designated clearly.
Fire fghting facilities: There shall be fre fghting facilities in the farm
cabanas/
farm houses and all the buildings.
Internal communication facilities: There shall be an intercom system within
the
farm, especially if it is lager one enabling visitors to communicate with the
farmer
or caretakers in an emergency situation.
First aid facilities; A well stocked frst aid box shall be available at all the
times.
Farm animals: Farm animals shall be kept within a distance from visitors.
e. Sanitation: Sanitation facilities are necessary in a farm stay and followings
are
required.
Wash rooms: Clean wash rooms with necessary amenities such as ow of
clean
water, soap or had wash liquids, hand towels or tissue papers. Wash rooms
must
be cleaned regularly.
Resting places: Clean and well maintained indoor and outdoor resting
places
for visitors shall be provided. Drinking water facility shall be provided at
these
places.
Garbage bins: Garbage collecting bins shall be placed within the farm.