FOREST COUNTY, Pa. (EYT) – The Forest County Agri-tourism survey is accepting responses until February 15, 2015.

The study targets established farmers and those considering farming opportunities in Forest County.

The five-minute survey is available online and also in printed form.

Three ways to participate: go to www.extension.psu.edu/forest; request a printed survey from the Penn State Ext office (814) 755-3544; or pick up a survey at the public library in Marienville or Tionesta.

The results of this survey will be used to assess the information, communication, training and policy needs and suggestions of Forest County farmers and develop a strategy for meeting these needs.

What is agricultural-based tourism? Agri-tourism links farmers to consumers and tourists, and can provide an additional revenue stream for farm businesses.

Familiar examples of agri-tourism are corn mazes, hay rides, maple sugar house tours, pick your own, farm tours, bed and breakfasts, petting zoos, farm stands, production or sale of value-added products and on-farm demonstrations. Producers may also engage in the tourism economy through off-farm activities in the region such as farmers markets, selling at fairs or festivals, selling on the internet, or operating a CSA.

Forest County attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. The survey seeks current data to better understand how the agricultural community in Forest County is interacting with the tourist economy.

The Forest County Agri-tourism Survey Team is led by Penn State Extension and comprised of Forest County farmers and community members.

For more information contact: Juliette Enfield, Penn State Extension Educator at 814-563-9388 or jse15@psu.edu