Farm tourism can boost eco-tourism

Technically speaking, farm tourism is just a subset of eco-tourism. Eco-tourism is the big umbrella—it covers everything from marine sanctuaries to mountain trails, from mangrove parks to wildlife reserves. But lately, I’ve noticed something interesting: here in the Philippines, farm tourism could become bigger than eco-tourism, at least in the domestic market.

Why? Because while eco-tourism may have more to offer to foreign tourists—especially those who want untouched beaches or rare bird sightings—farm tourism has far more to offer to local tourists. And I don’t just mean sightseeing. Local visitors go to farms not only to look, but also to learn, taste, and take home something fresh.

In fact, many farms have evolved into Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs), where visitors can get hands-on experience in farming before they decide to go into the business themselves. These LSAs are under the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of Agriculture. Some even offer TESDA-accredited courses where visitors can earn an NC II certificate in agriculture-related skills. That means a weekend farm visit could change your career path.

And it’s not all about planting and harvesting. Some of these farms have morphed into full-fledged tourist resorts—complete with accommodations, function halls, and hotel-type amenities. Most have farm-to-table restaurants and fresh markets selling produce from their own land and neighboring farms. One shining example is Costales Nature Farms in Majayjay, Laguna. There, you can stay overnight, enjoy the scenery, learn about organic farming, and bring home baskets of freshly harvested vegetables and fruits.

Yes, farm tourism still fits under the eco-tourism label, especially when it follows sustainable practices, promotes biodiversity, and involves the local community. But its strength lies in its versatility. Farm tourism can combine leisure, education, and commerce in one package. It’s not just about “seeing” nature—it’s about using nature wisely and living it, even if only for a weekend.

Under the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016 (RA 10816), the government recognizes farm tourism as a tool to diversify rural income, promote sustainable farming, and enhance food security. This is not theory—it’s already happening. Farm tourism sites across the country are running workshops on organic farming, composting, and agroforestry. Some even teach value-adding like making jams, drying herbs, or processing cacao.

The network of LSAs is growing fast, with over 300 farms nationwide accredited by ATI. These range from Iglesias Farm in Batangas, which teaches integrated farming and farm business management, to Baluzo Farm in Camarines Norte, focusing on organic farming and agritourism. Even urban and peri-urban farms are part of this movement, showing city folks how to grow food in tight spaces.

Farm tourism also creates what I call “economic ecosystems.” A visitor might stay at a farm resort, buy vegetables from its store, purchase honey from a neighboring apiary, and hire a local van service to get there. That’s multiple income streams for the community from just one tourist visit.

The potential is huge. Imagine barangay-level farm tourism models that combine mangrove tours, farm stays, and local crafts. Picture a weekend itinerary where guests harvest their own vegetables, take a banca to see fishponds and mangroves, and end the day weaving pandan mats with village artisans. That’s farm tourism feeding into eco-tourism, and vice versa.

If there’s a challenge, it’s marketing. Many farm tourism sites are still hidden gems. They rely on word of mouth or seasonal events to draw visitors. There’s a need for stronger promotion—both locally and abroad—to position these destinations as part of mainstream tourism offerings. The Philippines already sells itself as “more fun” to visit; it should also sell itself as “more fruitful” to experience.

So yes, farm tourism may be a subset of eco-tourism on paper. But on the ground, especially for local travelers, it has the potential to lead the way. The more farms that become learning sites, community hubs, and vacation destinations all rolled into one, the more we can boost not just tourism numbers but also rural livelihoods and food security.

And perhaps the best part? Every peso you spend in a farm tourism site doesn’t just buy you fresh produce or a relaxing weekend—it also supports farmers, sustains communities, and promotes environmental stewardship. In that sense, it’s tourism with roots—and roots, as every farmer knows, are what keep things standing strong.