Thinking of adding an
agritourism aspect to your farm this fall? Try AgCaching.
What is an AgCache?
An AgCache is a unique spin on
a popular outdoor past time called GeoCaching. GeoCaching is a high tech
treasure-hunting experience using GPS where seekers use GPS coordinates to find
hidden caches. Once they have found the caches they post pictures and comments
about their experience online.
AgCache uses the geocaching
network to allow visitors to experience the real treasure: agriculture.
AgCache visitors have the
opportunity to learn the importance and history of agriculture by visiting operating
agricultural businesses and farms. Not only do AgCaches educate visitors, but
they also bring traffic and business to the AgCache hosts.
AgCache is a fun, exciting way
to turn your business into an agritourism destination.
How can hosting AgCache benefit
you?
1. AgCache connects you to your
customers at your farm and allows you to build customer relationships.
2. AgCache allows you to tap
into a new audience and expose your business to new partners and customers.
3. AgCache visitors give you
instant feedback on what appeals most to your customers.
4. AgCache hosting provides an
added product line to your product mix, i.e. agritourism activity during
non-production seasons.
5. AgCache hosting gives you an
opportunity to educate people about agricultural production realities.
6. AgCache requires very little
time or money – select your site, choose your box (be creative!), include the
log sheet, and check in every week to track your visitors!
Preliminary steps prior to
hosting an AgCache
Before deciding to host an
AgCache, there are specific considerations to address with your farm family and
employees.
Must Like People
Agritourism invites the public
onto your agribusiness and encourages curiosity. AgCache hosts should be
prepared for curious visitors and their questions. Hosting an AgCache requires
friendly interactions and knowledgeable responses to the inquisitive public. An
AgCache is a form of agritourism that does not demand your physical presence,
however, setting the stage to provide responses to the wide range of questions
from the public help visitors get the most out of the experience.
Know Caching Rules
When it comes to choosing the
location and disguise of your AgCache box, the choice is all yours. Most cache
boxes include a journal to allow seekers to note their name and visit date, and
visitors often include a small memento, such as a sticker, toy car or animal,
keychain, and other assorted items. There are a few rules that keep the
experience fair, fun, and safe for everyone involved.
• All caches must be at least
0.1 miles apart. This is mandated by the Geocache organization. The
organization holds various running competitions and if the density of caches is
too high, it
gives some GeoCachers an unfair
advantage.
• No visitors after dark. This
ensures the safety of all participants especially on agriculture operations
where accidents can occur very easily even in the daylight.
• Cannot charge fee where the
cache is located. For example, a cache can be placed next to a for-fee corn
maze, but cannot be inside a for-fee corn maze. AgCache is an opportunity that
can be experienced by everyone, whether they brought their wallet with them or
not.
• AgCache must be accessible
365 days a year, regardless of the operating schedule of the site. For example,
a cache cannot be placed at a seasonable produce stand.
Invest in insurance liability
policy
An agriculture operation can be
a dangerous place to those unfamiliar with production, harvesting and processing
activities. An insurance liability policy protects your agribusiness should an
accident occur during an AgCache visit. These policies may provide additional
protection beyond the Code of Virginia Title 3.2 Chapter 64 – Agritourism
Activity Liability legislation. The Virginia Farmers Direct Marketing Association
offers an Agritourism Liability Signage Order Form, and potential AgCache hosts
are encouraged to purchase and post these warning signs on their premises.
Add signage
Many AgCache visitors may have
never even seen an operating farm before and are unaware of the unspoken rules,
such as “always close a gate if you open it.” Before inviting visitors to your agribusiness,
ensure that appropriate signage has been placed. Examples can include “Please
close gate behind you”, “Keep off grass”, etc. Also be sure to rope off any restricted
areas that you would not be comfortable with visitors exploring. Establishing
these measures will make hosting an AgCache an easier and more enjoyable
experience for you.
Contact AgCache Creators
Once you have completed this
checklist and chosen the design and location of your AgCache, the next step is
to contact the creators of AgCache, Chris and Jennie Simms at 804-731-5236.
The Simms will schedule a farm
visit and provide confirmation that the proposed AgCache site meets the requirements.
Once the Simms approve your AgCache site, your farm will be added as an
official host of an AgCache in Virginia.
If you are interested in
learning more about Virginia agritourism opportunities or adding value to your agribusiness
by hosting an AgCache, please contact Dr. Kimberly Morgan at KLMorgan@vt.edu.
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