NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — Farmers and ranchers looking for new ways to diversify their income may soon have another opportunity through a partnership between Airbnb and American Farmland Trust (AFT).
AFT’s Ashley Brucker joined Market Day Report to explain how the new Farm to Stay Grant Program helps producers earn extra income from existing farm resources by funding working farms’ efforts to develop or expand agritourism on their operation, including overnight stays, tours, and educational experiences.
Turning Farm to Stay Opportunities Into Income
The program is funded by Airbnb and administered by AFT’s Brighter Future Fund. Organizers plan to award approximately 25 to 30 grants of up to $10,000 each.
In her conversation with RFD-TV, Brucker said the program is designed for working farms and ranches that want to add a new revenue stream without moving away from their primary agricultural operations.
“Farmers and ranchers are under a lot of financial pressure, and income from guests could help smooth out those ups and downs,” Brucker said.
Grant funding can help producers renovate an existing farmhouse or cabin, convert part of a barn into guest accommodations, or create farm-related activities such as tours, workshops, and classes.
Farm Stays Connect Travelers With Agriculture
Brucker said the partnership is intended to help farmers make use of what they already have while giving travelers more opportunities to experience rural communities and agriculture firsthand.
She shared the example of a Georgia farmer who was already growing blueberries when she began renting space on her property. The additional guest income allowed her to reinvest in the operation, including adding a greenhouse and expanding herb production.
“The farm came first, and the stays helped it grow,” Brucker said.
Airbnb has also reported growing interest in farm stays. According to the company, typical farm-stay hosts earned around $8,000 through the platform last year. Search interest in farm stays has also nearly quadrupled over the past decade, reflecting increased interest in rural travel and agricultural experiences.
Who Qualifies for the Grants?
The program is intended for established, for-profit agricultural operations in the United States that want to develop or expand a farm stay or experience as an additional income source.
Eligible project categories include starting a new agritourism operation, renovating or improving infrastructure for overnight guests, and creating farm-related experiences such as tours, workshops, and farm-to-table dinners.
Brucker said the goal is to help producers get more value from land and resources already supporting their agricultural businesses.
Application Dates and How to Learn More
American Farmland Trust planned to publish application guidelines, eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions, and a copy of the application on its website Friday, November 13.
Applications are scheduled to open Monday, November 30, at 8 a.m. Eastern and remain open through December 4. The application window is short, and applications will be reviewed in the order received. Approximately 350 applications are expected to be accepted.
Airbnb and American Farmland Trust are also offering educational resources to help farmers understand how to get started with agritourism and hosting.
Brucker encouraged interested producers to review the available materials and prepare in advance before applications open.
LEARN MORE: farmland.org/farm-to-stay
