Recreational agritourism: Implications for regional development in the Southern Great Plains

Agritourism has emerged as a potential driver of regional development, particularly in rural areas where economic challenges persist. This study examines the scope and impact of recreational agritourism in the Southern Great Plains (SGP) region, comprising Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Currently, the SGP has more than 6,000 agritourism operations with $220 million in related revenue. Using USDA Census of Agriculture data and spatial modeling techniques, the research identifies key factors influencing agritourism revenue and highlights spatial dependence and heterogeneity across counties. Results reveal significant contributions of median household income, farm size, producer demographics, and the presence of natural amenities to agritourism success. Exploratory spatial data analysis found 47 hotspot counties with high agritourism activity concentrated in south-central Texas. Notably, larger farms and counties with a higher proportion of female producers demonstrate increased agritourism revenue, reflecting the economic benefits of diversification strategies. Findings also reveal the negative relationship between higher median household income and agritourism revenues, suggesting agritourism thrives in more rural areas. The analysis is constrained by data limitations, particularly the exclusion of core agritourism activities such as direct-to-consumer sales and farmers markets. These constraints highlight the need for expanded datasets and refined definitions to capture the full spectrum of agritourism activity. This research supports policy interventions to enhance support for agritourism development, such as the establishment of a dedicated agritourism office under the proposed AGRITOURISM Act within the USDA. By leveraging local assets and addressing regional disparities, agritourism can serve as a mechanism for rural economic development, contributing to community resilience and sustainability.