VIII. Productive Partnerships
Working together – with both the obvious partners and more unusual candidates – can help you build a successful and resilient agritourism product or service. Partnerships among similar businesses, such as farms in a particular area, can generate economies of scale for marketing. Partnerships with other hospitality operations, such as chefs, outfitters and guides, can yield incredible and seamless visitor experiences that increase revenue potential. Partnerships with schools and heritage organizations can build local support and enlist community ambassadors that help you diversify your customer base. Partnerships with government and land management agencies can accelerate permitting and access.
Tools and Tips
- Tips for Building Marketing and Community Partnerships
- Partnership Opportunities: A Self-Assessment
- Agritourism Resources and Organizations in Oregon
Examples
Food Trails
One of the oldest agritourism collaborations in Oregon, the Hood River Fruit Loop, was organized in 1992 as a self-guided 35-mile driving tour to market farm products and activities as a destination experience. Today, there are more than 30 different attractions, with activities that vary throughout the agricultural season.
In 2018, Travel Oregon launched the Oregon Food Trails program to provide communities a way to package and showcase their local farm, ranch, seafood and other agricultural assets, as well as local culinary businesses that feature locally-sourced products. There are now several trails participating in the program across the state. Explore the Oregon Food Trails on oregonfoodtrails.com and learn more in the video below.
Culinary and Outdoor Recreation
Winding Waters River Expeditions in Wallowa County launched in 2005 as a guided river-tour operator. Over time its owners established many partnerships, including local ranches and a farm-to-table dinner company, to create memorable visitor experiences. Learn their story in the video below.
Agricultural Heritage
Camas Country Mill in Veneta has grown beyond producing heritage grains to becoming a visitor attraction, by engaging in local schools and renovating an old schoolhouse with a crowdfunding campaign. See their story as featured on Grant’s Getaways: