Kentucky is known as a state that is very proud of its agricultural roots and because of this there are many different agritourism programs for people to take part in. The programs are educational in many aspects and they start early, often as early as the elementary school classroom. Having programs that reach out to the community in this way ensures the agricultural aspect of the state will continue well into the future. With the 2008 Kentucky Agritourism Summit coming up there is no better time to look at some of the programs that are offered to citizens.

Kentucky Agricultural Programs

There are countless programs that are overseen or offered by the Kentucky Agricultural Department that help to promote agritourism. Some of the most important are those that are seen in the classroom. The divisions of Agricultural Education, Farm Safety, and Farmland Preservation are responsible for education and through this program the division attempts to improve agricultural literacy through programs that increase agricultural awareness as well as appreciation for the food and fiber system. There are educational programs for both children and adults such as Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom, Project Food, Land & People, Mobile Science Activity Unit, and the annual Agricultural Day Poster and Essay Contest just to name a few. All of these programs get the people involved, allowing them to not only enjoy the agriculture in their area, but to become involved in it.

Marketing is a big part of the agritourism and the state of Kentucky knows it. They have an office that is dedicated to marketing and has many different programs in place to assist farms on this front. Some of these programs help to promote smaller markets expand existing markets, and developing new domestic and international markets. This is obviously an important agricultural program for all farmers in the state of Kentucky. Without marketing many people wouldn't know what happens on a farm and therefore there would be far less interest in them.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture also has an outstanding Farmer's Market program that allows for farmers to sell their goods to consumers from the area. This is a great program that allows for farmers to sell their products to locals and also allows the locals to see the assets that exist right in their own community. It is often through these farmers' markets that new people find a passion for Kentucky farms and agritourism.

In addition to the programs that benefit the farmers there are many different farms that the citizens of the area can visit to learn more about agriculture in Kentucky. With more and more people opting to taking agritourism vacations more of the farms are offering tours for the public that show the fun and even educational side of agricultural businesses. There are many different directories online that can help interested parties find wonderful opportunities right in their own backyard; agritourism is something that everyone can get in on and enjoy!