Maine Agritourism

Helpful information for visitors, farmers and agricultural supporters.

Agritourism helps people explore farming and agriculture. It takes many forms, from farm visits, tours, and local shopping, to cultural, recreational, and learning experiences. It generates additional farm income and enhances connections between agriculture and the broader community. For example, on-farm tours help visitors learn how farms grow crops and farm animals. Farm tours show how farm products are made. It's important to support Maine farmers year-round, not only to learn more about the availability of quality Maine farm products but also to create memorable experiences!

Highlights of great Maine agritourism experiences include:

  • Exploring the business of farming where it happens.
  • Meeting the farmers who create farm products.
  • Learning about the connections between farms and Maine's working landscapes.

There's a wide variety of opportunities that offer memorable agritourism experiences in Maine:

  • Pick-your-own fruits and vegetables during summer and fall.
  • Facility tours that taste award-winning craft beverages, cheeses, and fine specialty foods
  • Demonstrations of how fibers are processed to create clothing and art
  • Special weekend or day-long events celebrating Maine crops and farms across the state.
  • Custom events, including weddings and large gatherings.

Agritourism is a chance for people to understand the diversity and value of farms in their communities. We encourage visitors, farmers, and agricultural supporters to learn more!

Agritourism Resources

Save the date! Opportunities for Patrons, Farmers, and Supporters!

There are several statewide events that typically happen every year. You can also find other activities and events too.

Statewide Agritourism Eventsin Maine
Event Name Annual Event Dates
Maine Maple Sunday® Fourth Sunday of March
Maine Open Farm Day Fourth Sunday of July
Maine Cheese Festival Early-September
Maine Apple Sunday Mid-September
Maine Winery Day Mid-September
New England Fall Maple Tour Early October
Open Creamery Day Second Sunday of October
Fall Fiber Tour & Trail Second Sunday of October

For Patrons: How to Support Maine Farms and Find Agritourism Events

There are many ways to support farms. This includes choosing farm products to enjoy year-round. Another way to support farms is to learn more about agriculture and understand how these Maine businesses create quality products. There are thousands of farms in Maine. Hundreds offer tours, events, and educational experiences, as well as quality farm products.

Visitor Tips

Make your visit memorable trip for everyone involved! Here are some tips for your agricultural exploration:

  • Help keep farms healthy — stay home if sick.
  • Seek current schedules for daily and seasonal updates.
  • Keep pets at home.
  • Use good hygiene before and after the visit.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
  • Bring a cooler and ice to keep peak food quality.
  • Stay in visitor areas. Follow instructions and signs.
  • Carry-in, carry-out trash, and recyclables.
  • Ask farmers how to enjoy farm products year-round!

Preserve the Harvest - Finding Maine Ingredients

Pick-your-own, or U-Pick farms, offer you a chance to harvest the freshest produce direct from the farm. Learn food preservation techniques from the experts. View UMaine Cooperative Extension resources for food preservation.

For Farmers: Resource Library to Support Your Agritourism Endeavor

Safety and Liability

Safety and Health

Promotions

Online Learning

A list of courses, webinar recordings and fact sheets covering a breadth of agritourism topics

For Farmers: Important Contacts

Subscribe to Agritourism Updates for Farmers

Maine Open Farm Day

Maine Bureau of Insurance

Agritourism Promotional Events and Real Maine Promotions

Food Safety:

State Veterinarians, Animal and Plant Health Staff: Farm biosecurity, right to farm, nutrient management and more

Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety: Safety and emergency planning between businesses, and first responders at town, county and state levels

Maine Dept. of Transportation: Maine Road Signs and placement, byways, traffic counts, general info)

Maine Tourism and Hospitality: Training, metrics and contacts

For Agricultural Supporters: Resources for Towns, Organizations and Businesses

Maine agriculture is unique, varied, and important. Farmers play a vital role in communities across the state. Farming is a livelihood that provides on-farm jobs. It also supports other local businesses. The working landscapes of agriculture provide an attractive scenery to visitors who travel to view Maine’s iconic scenery. Agritourism provides communities with interactive experiences, from shopping at the farm for quality farm products, to seasonal recreational activities.

Supporters of agriculture can show their support in many ways. Examples of efforts include:

There are many ways to further support farmers that may be unique to your town and community. You can network, learn and share this information with others across the state who want to support Maine agriculture and our state’s working landscapes.

Email Us with your ideas and for more information about supporting Maine farms and agricultural events!

Promotional Resources—for agricultural supporters and businesses

Planners

The professionals who provide guidance, reference, and strategy on zoning, design, legal applications, use of resources in communities, etc.