When you visit a farm through Delve, there's a strong chance the experience you enjoy was created or led by a woman.
That’s no coincidence—it reflects a growing movement in farming and food systems.
Women have always been central to farm life, but their contributions were often invisible. Today, they are leading the way in agritourism—the growing field of farm-based education, hospitality, and direct-to-consumer experiences.
Women in Agritourism: A Quiet Revolution
According to the USDA’s 2022 Census, women account for 36% of all U.S. producers, take part in decision-making on 58% of farms, and steward nearly half of U.S. farmland and agricultural sales. More importantly, women are increasingly driving decision-making and diversification strategies—especially through agritourism ventures like farm tours, hands-on classes, and seasonal events.
While U.S. data on gender within agritourism is limited, researchers agree: women are the driving force behind many of the most innovative and community-oriented farm experiences worldwide.
Why Women's Leadership Matters in Agritourism
Research shows that when women drive agritourism ventures, the results often look different than when men do.
A 2024 global study found that many women-led operations prioritize sustainability, education, and repeat visitor satisfaction over short-term profit—creating value that extends well beyond the farm gate.
Similar patterns appear worldwide—from European case studies to global analyses showing that women-led agritourism strengthens sustainability, reinvests in communities, and supports cultural preservation.
These findings suggest that women-led agritourism isn’t just a business model—it’s a catalyst for community resilience and environmental care.
What Women-Led Agritourism Brings to the Table
Women running agritourism ventures often:
- Create experiential education opportunities for visitors
- Strengthen the connection between land and people
- Invest in community well-being
- Mentor and include other women and youth in agriculture
At Delve, We See This Every Day
Many of Delve’s farm hosts and workshop hosts are women who are:
- Managing farms or gardens
- Leading urban agriculture projects
- Hosting school field trips for homeschool programs
- Teaching cheese-making, herbalism, composting, animal care, and more
Often, they do this while juggling caregiving, community roles, and off-farm work—building something meaningful through passion, creativity, and grit.
Why It Matters When You Book
Every time you book an experience through Delve, you’re doing more than planning a fun day out. You’re:
- ✔ Supporting women-owned and women-led farms
- ✔ Expanding access to agricultural education
- ✔ Contributing to rural resilience and economic equity
In short, you’re helping something bigger grow.
How You Can Support Women in Agritourism
- ✅ Follow our stories of women-led farms on social media
- ✅ Book a women-led farm experience and leave a thoughtful review
- ✅ Advocate for policies that improve women access land, funding, and training
- ✅ Share your story—especially if a woman-led farm experience made an impact on you
💬 Know a woman leading in agritourism? We'd love to feature her in a future Delve story.
Want to experience the impact of women-led agritourism firsthand? Try candle-making and goat fun at Rancho Meraz outside of DFW or explore pollinators with a Hive-to-Honey Tasting in Austin. You can also browse more women-led farm experiences.
Sources
- USDA NASS: Female Producers 2022 Highlights – Women make up 36% of U.S. producers and play key roles in farm decision-making.
- Sustainable Agritourism for Farm Profitability – 2024 MDPI study showing women-led ventures prioritize sustainability and visitor experience.
- Agritourism as a Pathway to Women’s Empowerment: Insights From Rural Albania – Research on how agritourism empowers women through reinvestment in education and land care.
- Gender and Tourism Entrepreneurship: A Global Review of Women’s Empowerment and Agritourism Roles – Comprehensive global analysis of how women in tourism and agritourism contribute to rural sustainability and empowerment.
