20 May 2026
World Agritourism Day on 16 May highlighted the growing importance of agritourism across Queensland, with farmers continuing to open their gates to visitors seeking authentic on-farm experiences and stronger connections to agriculture.
From farm stays and pick-your-own produce experiences to cellar doors, farmgate sales, educational tours and paddock-to-plate dining, agritourism is playing an increasingly important role in helping consumers better understand where their food and fibre come from, while supporting rural and regional economies.
Agritourism Queensland President Kay Tommerup said the day provided an opportunity to recognise the contribution Queensland farming families are making through genuine working farm experiences.
“Queensland farmers are offering some of the most authentic visitor experiences in the country,” Ms Tommerup said.
“These are genuine working farms where visitors can meet the people producing their food, learn about agriculture firsthand and experience regional Queensland in a meaningful way.
“World Agritourism Day was a valuable reminder of the important role agritourism plays in strengthening the connection between city and country, while also supporting local businesses, jobs and communities across rural and regional Queensland.”
Agritourism Queensland said the sector continues to face challenges, including rising fuel prices, increasing input costs and broader cost-of-living pressures impacting both producers and consumers.
“Farmers are facing pressures across the board, particularly around fuel, freight and input costs,” Ms Tommerup said.
“We understand households are also doing it tough, but when people choose to visit rural and regional communities, even for a weekend or day trip, it delivers real benefits for farming families and small businesses.
“Supporting regional Queensland helps ensure these communities remain strong and sustainable into the future.”
Agritourism Queensland also welcomed recent progress by the Queensland Government to support agritourism through planning reform and local government guidance. The State Government recently released planning guidance designed to help councils better facilitate agritourism opportunities through local planning schemes as part of the broader Destination 2045 tourism strategy.
Agritourism Queensland is now encouraging councils across the state to implement the guidance and make use of the expedited planning amendment pathways available through the Queensland planning framework.
“The release of the guidance document was an important first step,” Ms Tommerup said.
“We now need to see practical implementation at the local government level so farming businesses can diversify with greater certainty and less unnecessary red tape.
“Recognition of the ancillary nature of agritourism for Queensland farmers is essential to ensuring that these planning changes have maximum impact for the sustainable growth of the industry while protecting ongoing farm production.”
Agritourism Queensland said Queensland is well positioned to become a national leader in authentic farm-based tourism experiences, particularly as global interest in sustainable tourism, food provenance and regional travel continues to grow.
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To speak with Agritourism Queensland please contact:
Rebecca Donohoe
Executive Officer
admin@agritourismqueensland.au
0476 246 449