Urban Agritourism  //  A New Industry In Southwest Atlanta

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The Georgia Agritourism Association

AGRITOURISM is a unique experience that combines traditional agriculture with tourism. Mention the phrase ‘Agritourism’ to the average person, and you’ll probably get a wide range of reactions.  Some might imagine waking up before dawn to help the farmer, others might picture themselves making cheese, picking fruit, or crushing grapes or olives.  Others may imagine guided hunts or fishing.  Many may see themselves and their families having the time of their lives (and maybe getting a little dirty, too) on an adventure packed full of excitement and fun.  Whatever the case, this new ‘-ism’ is one that is fast growing!

Agritourism includes visits to working farms, orchards, ranches, wineries, and other agricultural operations — and these destinations offer a huge variety of outdoor adventures as well as educational, entertainment, relaxation, hospitality, shopping and dining experiences.  Everyone enjoys having a LOT of fun, making agritourism one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry, all while supporting and sustaining Georgia’s farm lands.

In Georgia, agriculture and tourism are our state’s top two economic generators.  NEXT Steps proudly serves as a member of The Georgia Agritourism Association (GAA) — the official voice of this exciting combination.  (The Association is an Agritourism Operator led 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation.)  GAA’s mission is to promote Georgia’s agritourism operations; to educate the public regarding locations, products and seasonal events available through Georgia’s agritourism operations; to encourage the highest standards involving hospitality and business operations; to facilitate economic growth derived from increased tourism and expanded farming operations in the state.

Our Agritourism Initiatives

 Atwood Community Garden & Urban Farm

Atwood Community Garden & Urban Farm is a 3.5 acre outdoor activity center located at 779 Atwood Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30310.  (near the Atlanta University Center, Morehouse & Spelman).  Atwood offers a healthy, direct-market, food retail outlet that increases healthy food access to four surrounding food desert communities and other low-income areas within Southwest Atlanta.

Atwood-White Street Triangle (Atlanta Beltline Park)

NEXT Steps adopted the Atwood-White Street Triangle to build a solid relationship with Park Pride and the Atlanta Beltline.

 

 

Urban Farm Business Incubator

Atwood is becoming a model site that demonstrates how urban gardening is a sensible, stylish, and community-focused transition for urban spaces and vacant lots. Moreover, for people who decide to pursue farming as a career, Atwood eliminates many barriers for their start-up operation.

 

  SWOOM Pure Foods Farmer’s Market

SWOOM Market Project continues it’s mission to create a culture of health. Our collaboration with NEXT Steps, along with other institutions and organizations, allows us to support Atwood’s farmers market and special events which create public awareness on issues of health, the food movement and culture.