FAIRHOPE, Ala. — A small yet diverse group assembled on the Eastern Shore Wednesday morning, March 4, to gage the interest in forming a statewide coalition that would encourage legislators and the Alabama Department of Transportation to place agri-tourism on the same level as other forms of the state’s second largest industry. The goal is to give farmers, ranchers and related individuals and businesses another source of revenue through tourism, a move that might in turn prevent the loss of the family farm.

Mac Higginbotham of the Alabama Farmers Federation said, “(ALFA) is researching an opportunity to promote agri-tourism through signage.” He noted agricultural leaders and ALDOT officials met in Montgomery in December to discuss the need for directional highway signage akin to that already in place for fast food joints, gas stations, heritage sites and other tourist destinations.

“Once you get off the Interstate, how do you find it?” was a rhetorical question asked by Dr. Tom Chesnutt, a tourism specialist with Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, who was on hand to make the presentation. Referring to the slow track Alabama is on compared to other states, he added, “It’s not brand new or cutting edge. We’re just trying to catch up with others.”

Chesnutt said tourism has been around for thousands of years, pointing out that the ancient Greeks traveled to Egypt to see the pyramids. Although the nation is in a recession, he said families still have a desire to travel.

“They’re taking shorter, more frequent trips,” he said. “People are still taking vacations. They’re staying closer to home and driving more, flying less.”

The phenomenon is ideal for agri-tourism, Chesnutt said, because so much of the state’s agricultural acreage is situated near population centers such as Dothan, Birmingham and Mobile. And potential agri-tourism stops are as diverse as the crops being grown across the Southeast.

Among venues and activities considered agri-tourism are farm tours and stays, roadside stands and markets, U-pick operations, on-farm sales, festivals and fairs, guided crop tours, petting zoos, hay rides, corn, habitat improvement projects, bird watching and wildlife viewing, hunting dog training and competition, trap and skeet shooting, fee fishing and hunting, barn dances, corn and hay mazes, garden and nursery tours, winery tours, historical agricultural exhibits and exotic animal farms.

Chesnutt said, “(Tourists are) getting off the beaten path, and getting back to their roots. They’re doing something, not just being entertained.”

Another meeting set for March 18, at 10 a.m., in the Alabama Power Co. Conference Center in Clanton will further lay the groundwork for the organization. Some who gathered here at first sounded skeptical, but later seemed to support the idea of joining forces to promote agri-tourism.

“If the end result is a blue sign with an arrow on the Interstate or (Highway) 59 or somewhere pointing to my Christmas tree farm, I will support it,” said Steve Mannhard, owner of Fish River Trees in Summerdale. “The last thing I need is another association to belong to, but I support this. My business lives and dies by a sign. Local and state governments keep tearing my signs down. The state has never supported our business.”

Higginbotham said other state governments may indeed be more supportive of tourism, but Alabama is gaining ground. He hopes the combined efforts of locals, along with the online Alabama Agri-tourism Trail and its partnering agencies (Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Alabama Tourism Department, Alabama Farmers Market Authority, Alabama Department of Transportation and the Alabama Farmers Federation) will help get the word out that there’s more to do and see in Alabama.

Mannhard’s business is already listed on the trail Web site (www.alabamaagritourism.com), along with a handful of other Baldwin County venues. Among those is Jim Eddins’ operation, Perdido Vineyards.

The winemaker said he too has placed signs near Interstate 65, only to have them removed by others. He depends on tourists for his livelihood, and he said highway signs would help keep customers flowing.

“I’m glad to see the highway department involved in this,” Eddins said. “Tourism has supported my business from day one. This is an answer to prayers after 30 years.”

Chesnutt cautioned it is up to the resulting organization to get things done. Extension officials, ALFA and others involved up front in the effort will assume only an advisory role in the future. He said actions will be planned within the group based on the best practices used in other states.

“This is something we are not going to drive in any way, shape or form,” Chesnutt said. Higginbotham agreed, saying, “This is your membership. We want the farmer’s voice. Everyone has a specific need and for us to work together, we need to hear everyone’s voice.”

Jay Hasting, tourism director of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce said he grew up on a farm, and understands the draw of agri-tourism.

“Baldwin County is so rich with this type of tourism we’re talking about,” he said. “Ecotourism is something we already hear about.” He said ESCOC would be willing to work closely with those in the agri-tourism group in order to promote their destinations.

“The timing is right for all of this with ALDOT because of the Scenic Byways program,” Chesnutt said. “But you’ve got a lot of people at the same time hammering on ALDOT’s door.”

Those wanting more information about the organization, the Alabama Agri-tourism Trail or developing an agri-tourism attraction in Baldwin County, should e-mail Chesnutt at chesnjt@auburn.edu.