Treasure maps & trusty tools
“Did you know Cornell Cooperative Extension has an entire team dedicated to agritourism operational assistance and advocacy?”
Laura Biasillo with the CCE Agritourism Work Team led a Q&A session for producers at the 2026 Ag Solutions & Networking Expo, which took place at SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech in early March.
A key sticking point? Start that agritourism operation on solid ground. Make sure the farm and team are protected from liability. Not all business models or ideas have equal footing if one is looking for legal protection.
New York State uses 2018’s Safety in Agricultural Tourism Act to define this subset of agriculture; 70% of on-farm sales and activities have to contribute to the businesses’ cash flow to be considered an agritourism operation. (Read the text of the act at tinyurl.com/y5wx77xe.)
“You can’t just host the occasional painting class once a month or so and think ‘I’m in agritourism – it’s my farm, my supplies,’” Biasillo said. While it is objectively true, while operating at a low volume one might not be hitting those financial and output markers. Certain tax paperwork (like a Schedule C form, documenting business profit/loss, used by small business owners and the self-employed) can be helpful when doing this math. And never underestimate the value of some good bookkeeping software.
It’s important to be as educated as possible on how one’s operation lines up with legislative parameters.
Legally, the act protects producers engaged in agritourism from liability if a customer is injured or if there are any additional issues with a visit to the business – provided certain conditions are met. The farm business must be providing adequate training to employees, have current directional signage displayed prominently, have “off limit” areas labeled, etc.
Biasillo touched on New York tourism resources through I LOVE NY and the importance of organizations like local tourism promotion authorities (TPAs) and destination marketing organizations (DMOs). These promotional entities are great assets for ag businesses. Both can connect the farmer with visitors and potential customers, help advertise the farmer’s business and any events or community outreach, list the farmer’s business on their website, as well as maps and more.
There were a few representatives in the session from area TPAs and DMOs. Amidst some of the more commercially minded partnerships like databases and social media content, some practical ideas were shared, like an upcoming event in Schoharie which will be a literature exchange a la “trunk or treat.” Individuals or businesses can park and hand out their flyers to other attendees.
Self-promotion has never been more accessible in the age of social media and DIY websites, but agribusinesses grow through exposure. The networking connections offered by these organizations are invaluable. A list of I LOVE NY TPA contacts can be found via the group’s website (tinyurl.com/pucktvr2).
The Agritourism Work Team offers many resources via cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/our-work/work-teams/agritourism. The annual NYS Agritourism Conference returns Nov. 4 and 5 in Geneva, with sessions this year on topics like marketing strategies, navigating grants and other financing for your operation, the labor component of agritourism and more.
There’s also a free monthly webinar series, made possible by USDA-NIFA’s Beginning Farmer & Rancher Program (taking place second Tuesdays at noon), that showcases relevant agritourism topics. April’s is “Farm Safety for Agritourism.” There is a whole library of fact sheets and other reference materials that correspond.
The team’s product curriculum hard launches this spring (March/April). It spotlights topics like risk management, customer service and labor, marketing and working with regional and commodity organizations.
Agritourism is a diverse cross section of the ag industry and it only continues to grow. No matter what the specific operational needs, there are experts to guide you through the process to agritourism success. Questions? Email cceagritourism@cornell.edu today.
by Andy Haman
