OUR STORY
Eat - Play - Grow - Stay
The Arkansas Agritourism Association (ArAA) was organized by a group of Arkansas agritourism operators who began meeting in 2017 to explore the possibility of forming a statewide association. Technical assistance was provided by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and the Arkansas Agriculture Department. The organization provides support, education, technical assistance and networking opportunities for current and potential agritourism operators throughout the state. The group held its first official meeting February 26, 2018, to establish bylaws and elect officers and board members.
What is Agri-tourism?
Agritourism is a beautiful melding of agriculture, tourism and education. It is an industry that shines a spotlight on the farmer, large or small, educating the consumer and the next generation of young people opening new doors to the traditions of old. We hope as our state association grows and develops, it will be a shining example of hard work, determination and complimentary cooperation in a multifaceted industry.
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The 2022 ARKANSAS AGRITOURISM ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
4th Annual Agritourism Meeting and Conference was held 2/22/22 and was a great succes! Many thanks to all those who attended in person and virtually.
A special thanks to our hosts
U of A Extension-Little Rock,
refreshment sponsor AR Farm Bureau,
and conference panelists (see below)!
Mark your calendars for the
5th Annual ArAA Conference - 2/21/23!
New members are welcome! Join at:
https://aragritourism.square.site/
2022 Conference Panel:
Moderator:
Kat Robinson, Arkansas’s Food Historian, Author, Filmmaker
Culinary Tourism Panel:
Central Arkansas: Doug Meyer, Rusty Tractor Vineyards, Little Rock
Story: Winery turned event center
Northwest Arkansas: Cheryl Long, Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery, Springdale
Story: Winery with lodging and events
Southwest Arkansas, Jack Daniel, Miracle Farms Market, Bodcaw
Story: Livestock farm that is selling direct to consumer - online
Southeast Arkansas, Thomas Williams, Delta Dirt Distillery, Helena
Story: 5 generation farm creating value-add product (Vodka) from crop (potatoes)
Northeast Arkansas, Jill Forrester, The Grange at Wilson Gardens
Story: Town turned tourism center
2022 Membership Dues - Core-$50 (50% Off). Affiliate/Associate-$25!
Join TODAY https://aragritourism.square.site/
Upcoming Member News:
In 2011, the Arkansas Legislature enacted A.C.A. § 2-11-107 that requires a warning sign be posted at all entrances to an agritourism operation. ArAA has found a vendor who can make these signs to specifications required by the statute and will soon make those available on this website! Stay tuned...