Building an International Support System: The Case of the Global Agritourism Network

With roots in ancient agricultural traditions that celebrated planting, harvesting, and communal foodways, what has become known as agritourism has long been a vital link connecting us to food and place. The modern-day version of agritourism merges two of the largest industries – agriculture and tourism – by creating experiences for visitors on working farms. Historically, the practice of gathering on farms was built into cultural traditions and not given a specific name. Over time, agritourism formalized, starting with Italy’s legislation on agriturismo in the 1980s that emphasized its potential to diversify farm incomes and preserve cultural heritage. This recognition sparked global interest as consumers and small-scale producers sought new ways to engage with the food experience economy. The growth of agritourism has highlighted challenges that stem primarily from the variability of practices and agricultural traditions and the lack of consistent support for its development. The Global Agritourism Network (GAN) emerged as a solution to these challenges. Formed in 2023 through international collaboration, GAN brings together practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders from over 100 countries. Its mission is to strengthen agritourism by fostering knowledge-sharing, building capacity, and addressing the sector’s diverse needs. GAN’s initiatives include organizing in-person and hybrid conferences, hosting virtual webinars, and supporting the development of research and resources that empower agritourism stakeholders to navigate the sector’s complexities.