By now you've probably heard the term "agritourism" bandied about, and if not then it's time to come up for some air.  A growing niche of tourism that overlaps culinary tourism, ecotourism and geotourism, it brings visitors if not in direct contact with the farm then at least a step or two down the path.  Agritourism is essentially any agriculturally based operation including farmstays, buying produce direct from a farm stand, navigating a corn maze, picking fruit, feeding animals or staying at a B&B on a farm.  Agritourists are visitors looking to experience an authentic and genuine farm/agriculture related encounter.

Over the last few years, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) has been working at promoting our provinces agritourism opportunities to the masses.  Working closely with Manitoba producers, MAFRI is bringing the farm experience to the visitor.

This spring saw the launch of the 5th Annual GPS Challenge.  A joint project with MAFRI, Eastman Tourism, Farmer's Market Association on Manitoba and CDEM, the challenge takes participants around farmers markets in four of the provinces tourism regions.  This venture introduces people not only to Manitoba's fresh products (and I don't just mean veggies) but also enables them to meet the producers themselves without venturing on the farm itself.

Going into its second year, Open Farm Day is an opportunity for Manitoban's and visitors alike to lean about farm products and to experience what farm life is like with a range of activities available.  With over 40 participating host families from all over the province the experiences on tap vary from fibre and dairy farms to nurseries and alpaca farms.  Open Farm Day takes place Sunday, September 18 all over Manitoba.  Call 204-821-5322 or visit www.openfarmday.ca for more information.  This year the farm fresh supper has expanded to two locations in Manitoba - Steinbach at the Mennonite Heritage Village and Arborg at the Arborg Multicultural Heritage Village.  Taste regional cuisine prepared by a team of Canadian Culinary federation chef's and Karen Nielson, Red Seal Certified Chef and owner of the Fat Cat Bistro in Arnes Manitoba.

Eastman Tourism is launching a new agritourism website www.mbagritourism.ca.  Although not quite ready for public consumption yet, it does have some great photos to give you a glimpse of what agritourism encompasses and you can sign up to be notified when the site is up and running.