Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed a proclamation setting September 27th as Agricultural Tourism Day, and the week of September 27th through October 3rd as Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Week.
“The Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA) is proud that our state leadership recognizes the contribution agritourism makes to our economy,” said Executive Director Sheila Everhart. “These diverse ag-based tourism venues provide entertainment, adventure, education, relaxation, food, fuel, and fiber for consumers all across the country,” she added.
Valued at more than $104.8 billion annually, Wisconsin is home to nearly 65,000 farms on 14.3 million acres. The average farm size is 221 acres. The agricultural sector accounts for 12 percent, 435,700 , jobs across the state. Last year, Wisconsin tourism brought 112 million visitors to the state, generating $21.6 billion in revenues, $1.6 billion in state and local taxes, and another $1.2 billion in federal taxes.
“WATA is working to continue streamlining the state’s regulatory environment so that agritourism, and the families involved, can meet the growing demand for on-farm opportunities to learn, be entertained, and be inspired,” said Everhart.
