Aimed predominantly at people whose preexistent interest in locally sourced and organic food has spilt over into a desire to learn more about agriculture, Farmcation operates in the space between food producers and consumers.

Farmcation is a U.S. born initiative that facilitates a meaningful connection between consumers and the origins of their food by allowing them to meet the individuals who grow it, and the places where its produced.

A customer-led shift towards eco-friendly and sustainable habits has meant that between 2008 and 2014 sales of local produce have more than doubled in some parts of the US. Despite this, many small farmers still make only 20,000 USD per year on average.

As a result, many layer extra revenue onto their incomes via stalls at farmers markets, offering ad hoc DIY services or introducing ‘pick your own produce’ days on their property.

The founders of Farmcation – Grace Lesser and Caitlyn Toombs – sought to combine a contemporary preference for experiences over possessions with a willingness from passionate farmers to share their knowledge.

Farmcation’s website allows for a both a ‘Guest’ and a ‘Host’ sign up and matches a tick list of interests to the relevant farm. Activities include: farm tours; fruit picking: canning, jamming, pickling and cooking workshops; cheese making classes and farm to table meals.

It’s hoped that Farmcation will help to foster support for small-scale farmers while connecting an increasingly food curious population with the land.