Agritourism Queensland was launched on 6 June 2024

A note from the President, Kay Tommerup.

The challenges to move into the agritourism space, and to continue to operate there, can often feel overwhelming even after doing it for so many years. It’s not something that comes naturally to farmers and when it’s a means for survival, often necessitates taking on roles that are so far out of your comfort zone.

Though we’ve had tremendous support from champions of agritourism along the way, we’ve had to overcome a lot of challenges to get to where we are, mostly due to the confines of outdated and inappropriate planning schemes and a lack of understanding of what agritourism truly is. It can often feel like you’re in no man’s land – not fully in farming nor in tourism, and not completely represented by either.

On 6 June 2024, that changed. Agritourism Queensland was launched – a peak body BY farmers, FOR farmers – and I am so incredibly proud and honoured (with a good dash of imposter syndrome thrown in) to be President of this peak body to truly represent the farmers in agritourism across the state. Agritourism Queensland will be the single source of truth, and a voice, for farmers in agritourism. In partnership with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation and Regionality Pty Ltd I believe this will change the future of farming in Queensland.

I am joined by an incredible team of passionate farmers on the committee, each of whom operate agritourism alongside their core farm business. Together, we share a passion for creating change to allow other farmers to more easily make the move into agritourism if they choose to.

This challenge isn’t one we take lightly – it won’t be an easy road – but that’s never stopped a determined farmer.

Pictured below:  Agritourism Queensland Management Committee pictured left to right: Peter Salleras, Bronwyn Neuendorf, Kay Tommerup, Tina McPherson, David Counsell.