Kona conference explores
‘agtourism’ opportunities

The idea is enjoying worldwide popularity

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By Rod Thompson
rthompson@starbulletin.com

KEAUHOU, Hawaii >> You're supposed to stay away from the rump of a horse, but what do you do when a nice mare uses her hoof to pin down the edge of your shoe?

She just wants you to scratch her neck, explained Waimea-area ranch owner Lynn Nakkim.

Up close and personal with a horse isn't a day at the beach, but it still can qualify as tourism, and Nakkim is betting that visitors will pay to meet her 100 horses.

The idea is part of a growing enterprise called agricultural tourism, or "agtourism."

Ken Love also is promoting the idea, though his endeavor is for those who may want something that's not quadrupedal.

The Kona coffee farmer offers the opportunity to adopt a coffee tree for a year.

For $1,200, tourists are mailed 50 7-ounce bags of their own coffee from their own tree with their own label on it.

University of Hawaii agricultural economy professor Kent Fleming said the enterprise is catching on.

Fleming is among those promoting today's conference on agtourism at the Keauhou Beach Hotel in Kona.

Fleming had hoped to attract 100 participants for the one-day conference. He got almost 200 requests, mirroring interest worldwide.

"Agtourism is a worldwide phenomenon," he said. "I would say that overall, at this time, Hawaii is a bit behind but is fast catching up."

Last fall, Fleming went to the first international conference on agtourism in Italy, attended by people from 47 countries.

Agtourism can mean a bed-and-breakfast on a coffee farm, but it's not just a room for a night.

At her Lion's Gate Bed and Breakfast, Diane Shriner shows guests how coffee is processed, that "a banana is just a giant herb" and what an exotic array of tropical fruit can be grown along with coffee.

In turn, Shriner's farms shows a profit. Without the B & B income, her farm actually lost $150 last season.

The key to agtourism is diversity, said Fleming, suggesting that tourists might rather see tropical flowers and fruits, visit a historic farm, then see a modern farm and conclude with a meal at a restaurant with locally produced food.

"Nobody wants to go to five coffee farms," he said.