Our History
Oregon Agritourism Partnership (OAP) is an Oregon nonprofit established in August, 2014 to assist producers with state-wide opportunities that:
Connect the public with Oregon farms, ranches, wineries, other agriculture value-added operations and the people who operate them, and agricultural and farm-related events in order to build relationships and enhance knowledge, familiarity, and appreciation for farming, and to establish a sense of place.
Provide the public with easier access to sources of fresh, wholesome foods as well as local sources of plants, fiber and farm animals.
Connect the public with the land and its resources.
Provide fun and educational experiences that will encourage families to get outdoors and enjoy spending time together.
Our Current President: Claire Zielinski
Agritourism is where farmers throw open their barn doors and say, "Come on in and experience the real deal!" It's all about blending agriculture with tourism to create fun, educational, and hands-on activities on working farms. Agritourism is about creating a connection between people and the land, showcasing the value of farmers, and boosting the local economy!
Here's a breakdown of what makes agritourism special:
- More Than Just a Visit It's not just about buying stuff; it's about immersing visitors in the farm vibe, connecting with nature, learning where food comes from, and meeting the farmers who grow it.
- Farm-Based Fun Agritourism can include a ton of different activities, like picking your own pumpkins, getting lost in a corn maze, farm stays and attending a farm-to-table dinner. It’s great for people of all ages to enjoy, but it is especially fun for kids.
- A Chance to Share It gives farmers a chance to show off their operations, share their know-how, and teach folks about agriculture.
- Not Just for City Slickers While it's a fab way for urban folks to experience farm life or for tourists from afar to enjoy the local environment. It can also be for locals and other rural folks! Oregon has over 230+ agricultural commodities, most of which are grown in the Willamette Valley. With so many agricultural products there is so much to learn and see even as a fellow farmer.
- Supporting agritourism brings good things for everyone. It helps farmers earn a better living by offering new ways to make income, like farm visits or selling directly to you. This can keep family farms going strong and economically viable. So that they can continue to be family farms and carry on to future generations. When you support agritourism, you also help your local community and economy. These farm businesses can create jobs and bring more visitors to the local area.
- Visiting a farm can be a fun and educational experience for all ages. You might see animals, learn how food is grown, experience beautiful scenery, and connect with nature. This helps build a better understanding of what agriculture and a farmer's life is like from those who are separated from agriculture.
- Ultimately, supporting agritourism helps keep our farms and rural landscapes beautiful and productive for the future. By supporting agritourism and the Oregon Farm Loop you're contributing to something real and valuable right in your own backyard.
Farm fresh produce. Crush season. Orchards heavy with fruit. Specialty foods and beverages. Friendly farm animals. Finding out about the land and today’s farming. Learning to cook and savor the local bounty. Nurseries and garden centers lush with bloom.
Out here is the real Oregon. Our community of family farms and value-added operations welcome you to join us for a taste, both literal and figurative, of what the Willamette Valley has to offer. Oregon Farm Loop winds through vineyards, rural plant nurseries, and farm stands of the Willamette Valley.
Whether you seek the perfect vintage, flowers and plant starts that will add zest to your garden, the chance to be close to friendly farm animals, or find delicious local foods, Oregon Farm Loop can connect you to local family farmers and country business operators rooted in the rural community and committed to sharing their experience with you.
Each farm loop is a scenic driving route of farm stops intended to connect local family farms and value-added businesses with the traveling public. The “loop” can be done in whatever order tickles your fancy. You might visit only one or two farm stops in an outing, or take the day or many days to visit them all. Farm products are raised in seasons, so some farm stops may be open daily while others only open for a few weeks or just on the weekends. Before you go, check the farm stop website or Facebook for the day’s schedule.
The Oregon Farm Loop website will help you find locations, upcoming seasonal events, and suggested routes. By mid-April, printed map brochures are available at many Clackamas County and Marion County visitor centers and libraries or by request at farmloop@gmail.com.
We hope you enjoy a new adventure at every turn of the road on Oregon Farm Loop.
Managing risk on your farm includes prioritizing the physical safety of your guests. Since many visitors know little about working farms, they may not be aware of potential hazards. For example, uneven ground should be made level, holes should be filled in, and hoses or irrigation lines should be removed from walkways to reduce tripping hazards. Equipment and farm implements should be kept out of the public’s reach or line of sight.
Signage can be an inexpensive and effective way to help prevent visitors from injury. For example if you plan to open a petting zoo at your operation consider having signs on proper feeding techniques for each animal; or if you have a U-Pick pumpkin patch consider having signs for people to watch their footing around the vines in the field.
If you are looking for more information on how to prepare your farm to be open to the public and also protect yourself. Consider reading this article by the OSU Extension Service about Adding Agritourism to Your Farm.
In Oregon, one way to reduce your liability is to use the limited liability protection statutes to transfer some risk to the visitor or customer. The Oregon Agritourism Inherent Risk Law (ORS 30.671 to 30.677(Link is external)) expands liability protections for all agritourism activities as defined by statute. To take advantage of this protection, you must follow the conditions and signage requirements provided in the law. The law does not offer protection, nor can you transfer the risk costs associated with your negligence. It also does not take the place of liability insurance.
The Oregon Agritourism Limited Liability Signs are a great resource in your risk-management. If you are interested in ordering one of these signs please fill out the form below. Each limited liability sign is $50 each. You can turn it into one of the OSU Extension Offices that carries our limited liability signs. If you aren't sure which OSU Extension Offices work best for you, or don't live close to one. Feel free to email your form to us directly and we will work on finding the best way to get one to you.