Farmers are being urged to look for alternatives to help keep properties up and running in drought

The idea is to turn farms in the Liverpool Plains into iconic tourist destinations for city-slickers, tickled pink by farm life.

“We’re all about agriculture in this area and the sunflowers  are very popular so we can really tap into this market,” Liverpool Plains Visitor Information Centre manager Nikki Robertson said.

“It’s not only money on the side, farmers are very isolated and having people coming and learning about farming and their plight helps their mental state a lot, it reduces the isolation.”

Agritourism encompasses anything that happens on a farm, from shooting to farm activities, riding, tours or even tastings and farm shops.

The Liverpool Plains Shire Council was chosen as one of three to take part in the Office of Small Business Commissioner’s pilot program.

All participants need is a farm and the enthusiasm to try something outside their comfort zone Ms Robertson said.

“There’s so much you can do, it can be tastings, fruit and vegetable picking – what we’re looking for is people who are passionate about farming and the area and want to share their passion,” she said.

“I really think we have to work as a destination in this space and we would love to create a trail and especially attract those weekends travelers from the city, we’re just close enough to attract them for a weekend or a long weekend.

“The flow on effects are huge, accommodation food, awareness, word of mouth is the best promotion you can get.”

The biggest challenges for the program are working out how to keep farmers and travelers safe and diversifying the agritourism ideas.

Ms Robertson would love to see a trail created where tourists are taken from farm to farm learning about all the best the Liverpool Plains has to offer.

“For a lot of farmers, take the sunflowers for example, that’s an income and nothing else,” she said.

“It’s about being mutually aware of what’s going on in agriculture, especially with the drought there’s a need to inform and educate people about farming and where food comes from.”

Liverpool Plains Shire Council mayor Andrew Hope said even for successful farmers considering agritourism, knowing where to look and what’s required can be touch.

“The aim is to improve the bottom line and create new business opportunities from their farm or produce,” he said.

The event is on December 4 from 9am to 3pm at the Quirindi Jockey Club, free and lunch included. To register email nikki.robertson@visitquirindi.com.au.