FARM HOSTS
Empowering Our Agricultural Future
At Farm Hosts, we are dedicated to helping ranches and farms maximize their financial potential while sustaining essential agricultural businesses and supply. Utilizing the approved guidelines from the county you are located in (ie: Santa Barbara County has the new Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance), we create opportunities for farm stays, campgrounds, special events, and agricultural education. Our mission is to create immersive stays that blend fun with education, offering a deeper understanding of sustainable practices in growing, harvesting, and producing local food.
Join the Agritourism Movement
AgriTourism is on the rise, and Farm Hosts will help you expand your offerings and create memorable experiences on your existing ranch or farm.
Let us help unlock the full potential of your property!
Why Agritourism
The agritourism market in California has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer interest in sustainable and authentic travel experiences. Agritourism combines agriculture and tourism, allowing visitors to experience farm life, participate in agricultural activities, and enjoy the rural environment.
Market Size and Growth
- Market Value: The agritourism market in California, as part of the broader U.S. market, has been expanding rapidly. The U.S. agritourism market, including California, was valued at approximately $8.23 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $17.51 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% (Coherent Insights) (Grand View Research).
- Regional Dominance: North America, particularly the U.S., holds a significant share of the global agritourism market, accounting for about 45% of the market in 2021. California is a key contributor to this growth due to its diverse agricultural landscape and well-developed tourism infrastructure (Grand View Research) (Cognitive Market Research).
Key Drivers
- Increased Consumer Interest: There is a growing trend among consumers, especially from urban areas, to seek authentic and sustainable travel experiences. Agritourism offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage in farm activities, understand agricultural practices, and enjoy fresh, local produce.
- Economic Diversification for Farmers: Agritourism provides an additional revenue stream for farmers, helping them to diversify their income sources beyond traditional farming. This is particularly beneficial given the fluctuating prices of agricultural commodities (Global Market Insights Inc.) (Coherent Insights).
- Educational and Recreational Value: Many agritourism ventures include educational tours, farm-to-table experiences, and recreational activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and farm stays. These activities appeal to families, schools, and tourists looking for educational and leisure experiences (Grand View Research).
Challenges
Despite its growth, the agritourism sector faces several challenges, including:
- Seasonality: Visitor numbers and revenues can fluctuate significantly with the seasons, as many agritourism activities are tied to specific agricultural cycles (Global Market Insights Inc.).
- Infrastructure Needs: Rural areas often lack the necessary infrastructure to support increased tourism, such as adequate transportation, accommodation, and basic amenities (Grand View Research).
- Marketing and Reach: Smaller agritourism businesses often struggle with marketing and reaching potential customers, which can limit their economic viability (Global Market Insights Inc.).
Future Outlook
The future of agritourism in California looks promising, with continued interest in sustainable and educational travel experiences. The state's efforts to promote agritourism through various initiatives and support from agricultural departments are expected to further enhance the sector's growth. With its diverse agricultural offerings and scenic landscapes, California remains a top destination for agritourism enthusiasts (Coherent Insights) (Cognitive Market Research).
For more detailed insights, you can explore reports from market research firms such as Grand View Research and Coherent Market Insights.
Real Estate for Good will help you design, develop, manage, market and guide you to grow your expansion into your own agritourism success story!
Explore our Services
Expert Property Management Services
Business Systems Setup
We establish and manage all necessary business systems for your Agritourism offerings, ensuring efficient and effective operations.
Leasing and Rentals Management
Our team handles all aspects of leasing your rentals, from marketing, inquiries to tenant management, all with the goal of maximizing your income potential.
Event Planning and Management
We organize and manage special events on your property, such as farm days, educational tours, weddings or family gatherings, showcasing the beauty and bounty of your farm.
Agricultural Education
We provide comprehensive agricultural education programs, teaching the community about sustainable farming practices and the importance of local food production.
Marketing & Advertising
We use a variety of marketing channels to reach potential tenants, including online listings, social media, and local advertising. Our goal is to keep your property occupied at all times. Check out our sister site which is a direct booking and agritourism focused website: www.stayonfarms.com (coming soon).
Maintenance & Repairs
We have a network of trusted contractors who can handle any repair or maintenance issue that arises. We respond quickly to tenant requests to ensure their needs are met.
Legal Compliance
We stay up-to-date on all relevant laws and regulations to ensure that your property is always in compliance. We handle all necessary paperwork and documentation to keep you protected.
About Real Estate For Good
Our Experience
DeAnn Rochelle brings over 18 years of experience in the property management industry, ranch and farm sales, and a long career in the organic food industry. She has also run her own PR and Marketing company. Real Estate For Good is a new venture that unites all her business and marketing expertise to create and manage new revenue-generating opportunities.
As a seasoned Realtor based in Santa Barbara, CA DeAnn is dedicated to providing exceptional service while leading innovative, community-focused real estate projects. Passionate about sustainability, she founded Green Homes SB. Actively involved in local volunteer efforts, DeAnn played a key role on The Sustainability Project's board and Santa Barbara GE Free, launched Green Drinks networking events, and collaborated with real estate investor clients to identify properties for diverse ventures, including sober living facilities, yoga studio, spiritual retreat centers, and organic farms.
More about DeAnn's Property Management and Real Estate Business www.exceptionalhomesre.com
Our Experience
Todd Johnson brings over 30 years of experience in the food service industry, having served as a General Manager and consultant to some of the finest 5-star restaurants in the U.S. His expertise lies in driving profitability through consistency, training, and exceptional customer service. More recently, Todd has transitioned to working as an addiction specialist and housing navigator for the unhoused, leveraging his strong communication and people skills. Sharing DeAnn's vision for helping local farms become more sustainable and profitable, they form a dynamic team dedicated to developing, managing, and delivering outstanding experiences for all who visit or engage with a local farm.
Our Services
We offer a full suite of property management services, including business planning, design, permitting, marketing, property maintenance, and more. Additionally, we create and manage event planning and agricultural education programs. Our services are designed to help clients maximize their income and minimize stress.
Our Philosophy
At Farm Hosts, we provide personalized service tailored to each client's/farm's unique needs. We take the time to understand your goals and work closely with you to develop a customized business approach that ensures success.
Why Choose Us?
- Expertise in Ranch and Farm Business
- With a proven track record in Santa Barbara County, DeAnn excels in listing and selling properties, such as a 40-acre organic avocado ranch in Goleta and the 164-acre Laurel Springs Ranch, previously a retreat and rehab center on Painted Cave Road. Our expertise extends to setting up new businesses like Yoga Soup and successfully managing dozens of short, mid, and long-term rentals, working at local high end restaurants as well as event and education coordination. Trust us to provide comprehensive and reliable services for your ranch and farm business needs.
- Passion for Organic Farming
- DeAnn grew up in Minnesota, where her family has deep roots in farming. With an extensive career in the organic farming industry, she understands the unique challenges and rewards of farming. As the trade representative for the State of Minnesota Agriculture Department, DeAnn successfully marketed farm products both domestically and internationally. Additionally, she has extensive experience in writing successful grant proposals for CCOF and various farm projects.
- Commitment to Exceptional Service
- Our approach is rooted in delivering exceptional service every time. We ensure that our methods and practices positively impact individuals, the environment, profitability, and the community.