FALL AGRITOURISM ATTRACTIONS PROVIDE OUTING OPPORTUNITY BEFORE WINTER WEATHER MOVES IN.

CHARLESTON, WV -- The following information was released by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA):

Although school is back in session, fall is prime time for outdoor activities. Those with an itch to get out of the house should check out one of the more than 250 agritourism attractions that can be found throughout the Mountain State.

A detailed listing is available at www.visitwvfarms.com. The directory is indexed by region to help travelers plan their trips.

Besides providing family-friendly fun, a West Virginia agritourism vacation benefits the state's economy and helps keep farmers on the farm, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass.

"Agritourism provides alternative income options for West Virginia farmers. With the highest percentage of family farms in the nation, West Virginia families have the potential to lead the nation in this niche," said Commissioner Douglass. "Visitors to West Virginia - as well as natives - are attracted to our state's rural heritage, unique cuisine and world-renowned hospitality."

"Nationally, more than 52,000 farms are engaged in agritourism activities," said WVDA Marketing Specialist Cindy Martel. "Surveys suggest that more than 75 percent of travelers use the internet to find and book activities. The combination of a print publication and internet resource will provide the traveling public with up-to-date information about our state's superb attractions."

The state's agritourism initiative is funded, in part, through grants and support from the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Federal State Market Improvement Program and the West Virginia Division of Tourism's Matching Grant program..

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.

"The Basis of All Wealth is Agriculture."