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Survey seeks to strengthen agritourism!

Scotland’s farms, crofts and estates urged to take part in national survey shaping the future of our sector

Farmers, crofters and rural businesses across the country are invited to be counted as part of a survey which aims to recognise the true impact and value of Scotland’s agritourism sector – one of the fastest growing rural industries.

The survey will run to the 15 September, it is open to all farms, crofts, estates, and smallholdings currently operating- or considering – agritourism or farm retail and all responses are anonymous.

Scotland’s Agritourism Survey 2025 will be undertaken by VisitScotland, in partnership with Scotland’s National Agritourism Strategy Board.

It has been designed to help inform future support for the industry by recognising the scale, impact, and future potential, with the findings ensuring that the economic, cultural, and social benefits of agritourism are fully counted and recognised and protected.

Results from past surveys demonstrated the unparalleled and wide-ranging benefits of the sector to Scotland, highlighting achievements in sustaining and creating rural jobs, supporting vital family employment and addressing inclusivity.

In Scotland, agritourism is defined as tourism or leisure on a working farm, croft, or estate that produces food or fleece. Agritourism and farm retail play a vital role for agriculture, showcasing farm produce and sustainable farming practices to visitors on Scottish farms in every corner of the country.

Scottish Agritourism conference 2024

The sector is hailed as a significant driver of Scotland’s rural economy, creating jobs, and sustaining vital family employment.

Scotland’s reputation as an agritourism destination is expected to grow as the country prepares to host the Global Agritourism Conference next year in Aberdeen.

This research marks the halfway point in Scotland’s National Agritourism Strategy plan and will shape the next five years of activity.

It’s estimated that, if national strategy targets are met, the combined value of agritourism and farm retail will reach £250 million by 2030 and support nearly 10,000 full-time jobs.

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