Premer farmers on Tuesday took a step towards a new business direction into farm-based tourism.
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Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope joined 10 farmers at a property in the Liverpool Plains village for the last of six workshops under the agritourism pilot program.
The program has been underway in the shire since March, and aims to mentor and up-skill farmers so they can innovate and diversify their business.
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"The farmers here today are in the final stage of developing their chosen venture, which includes everything from farm stays, Indigenous cultural tours, roadside stalls, on farm camping and wedding receptions," Mr Tudehope said.
"Initiatives such as the agritourism pilot can help keep primary producers on the land while boosting regional jobs and economies."
Mr Tudehope said agritourism was a growing sector, which was good for farmers doing it tough with the ongoing drought.
"Between 2015 and 2018 an average of around four million tourists visited a farm in Australia each year - that's an increase of more than 50 per cent in just over a decade," he said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said pilot programs like the agritourism pilot boosted visitors and expenditure in regional communities when they needed it most.
"Regional tourism in NSW directly employs more than 90,000 people, and we are committed to continuing to help grow opportunities for those who have helped generate record numbers of visitors to NSW this year," Mr Ayres said.
The Agritourism pilot is a joint partnership between the NSW Small Business Commission and Service NSW.
Mr Tudehope will also be attending a free breakfast on Wednesday, July 24 at 7.30am for drought-affected businesses.
It is an opportunity for small businesses to have their concerns heard by the relevant government official.
