Agritourism Grows with Pumpkin Season
As autumn settles in across California, fall pumpkin patches are the latest seasonal trend in the state’s growing agritourism industry.
Farmers are opening their gates to visitors, creating new ways to diversify income and connect with the public. In San Joaquin County, grower James Chinchiolo recently launched Linden Blooms, a U-pick pumpkin patch and corn maze that build on his cherry and walnut operations. Chinchiolo says he wants to give families an authentic farm experience. “I want to create something that’s a little bit slower paced and not a mess of people,” he said.
According to the California Farm Bureau Federation, more producers across the state are using agritourism to reach consumers and strengthen rural economies.
University of California agritourism coordinator Rachael Callahan says interest has grown steadily, especially since the COVID pandemic, as families seek outdoor, hands-on experiences. “A lot of farmers enjoy teaching kids about agriculture, and they see a demand from the public,” she said.
Across California, agritourism continues to grow, one pumpkin patch at a time.
