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- Less Wholesale, More Agri-tourism
in Washington State
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By Cappy Tosetti
Western Correspondent
For years Washington orchardists have depended on wholesale orders to sustain them through the seasons, but higher costs and less revenue have made things tough. Many individuals have increased their income by marketing directly to the public with their own roadside stands and country stores, and others are also setting up booths at local farmers’ markets.
“We’ve had to put on our thinking caps and make some changes.” says Denny Evans, owner of Sunshine Fruit Market in Chelan, Wash. “You simply can’t put all your eggs in one basket. We’ve had to diversify here on the farm from apples to planting blueberries. It’s been a wise decision.”
Evans has added more products to his roadside stand – local specialty foods, cider, juice and water, garden art and antiques. He also has a herd of friendly llamas on the farm that children and grownups enjoy visiting.
“The llamas are helping me develop a fun and useful value-added product for gardeners – llama poop, made fresh everyday! I’m still working on the packaging,” Evans said.
“We also realize working together is another key ingredient for success.” Evans emphasizes with great enthusiasm, “Teamwork really helps. Evans and other growers met in February to discuss forming an organization to help market the many agritourism businesses in the area and develop rural tourism that’s fun and educational for visitors and locals.
“One person couldn’t possibly accomplish all the things we’ve done. As a group, we have more knowledge and expertise, more contacts and clout. It’s really exciting,” said Evans.
More than 50 businesses now belong to the Cascade Foothills Farmland Association (CFFA), and the number keeps growing every month - (annual dues are just $20). Besides all the regular duties any new organization faces, such as setting goals, forming committees, nominating officers and everything else on the docket, this dynamic group has made great strides by generating operating capital to forge ahead with their marketing plans.
Progress report
Right off the bat they began the process for becoming a 501 C3 non-profit organization. This is essential, especially when it comes to applying for grants. So far, they’ve received monies from the Washington State Tourism Office, the Chelan Country Commissioners Mini Tourism Grant Program, the Port of Chelan (TAG – Tourism Action Group – tax fund), totaling over $30,000 in combined funds. And, just recently in August, word from the Washington State Department of Agriculture looks promising for an additional grant earmarked for developing rural tourism.
Immediate plans are in the works to use some of the funds for creating a brochure/driving map that will be distributed throughout the area and state in hotels, motels, chamber offices, convention and visitors’ bureaus and other places visitors frequent. The map will guide visitors to roadside produce stands, orchards, u-pick farms, corn maizes, garden nurseries, flower farms, craft and gift designers, agricultural tours, antique fruit packing facilities, wineries, bed and breakfast inns and more.
The next step is designing a Web site that will also help visitors learn more about the area. Marcia Green, CFFA board member and owner of Apple County Tours, is helping coordinate this particular committee. “We want all our printed materials and the Web site to be eye-appealing, inviting and user friendly. That’s why we’re including maps, directions, seasonal growing charts with plenty of product and produce descriptions. We’re already gathering written material on each member for a free business link on the Web site.
The association also coordinates workshops about rural tourism to local individuals and businesses (hotels, chambers of commerce and more), and to others beyond the area, such as the upcoming two-day tour and presentation this month for government officials from Olympia, an idea from state representative, Mike Armstrong who lives in Wenatchee.
Persistence pays
One member of the group, Hank Manriquez, owner of Leavenworth Cards (old-fashioned fruit box label designs) could easily be nicknamed “Mr. Persistent” when it comes to getting things done. He’s on the phone each day with city and county officials and others in the various communities, setting up meetings, making presentations and jumping hurdles for CFFA.
He’s met with the Washington Department of Transportation to discuss appropriate and legal signage for rural businesses. He’s also spent many hours with the county health department, gleaning information on proper and required procedures necessary for roadside stands and other operations involving produce and food products. He speaks to groups such as the lodging association and other businesses dependent on tourism, sharing goals and news, hoping everyone can work together for the sake of the entire region.
“Agritourism can surely be our star,” says Manriquez with a smile as he heads off to make another presentation, “There’s a treasure-trove of wonderful things to see and do in this area. We just want to be sure it’s always going to be here for everyone to enjoy!”
For more information on the CFFA contact Manriquez at (509) 548-6784, e-mail hankmanr@rightathome.com or Green at (509) 782-3564, e-mail greenho@genext.net.
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