FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

TOURISTS FLOCKING TO FARMS NOW HAVE HELP
WITH NEW WEBSITE: FARMSTOP.COM

Created by Jane Eckert, site lists thousands of working farms to visit

ST. LOUIS, MO - August 13, 2003 - With millions of tourists heading "down on the farm," there is now a website to help them find their way thanks to FARMSTOP.com, the only comprehensive listing of working farms, ranches and wineries in the United States and Canada that are open to the public for entertainment, family activities and authentic experiences in the country. The site, which was created by Jane Eckert, a farmer's daughter and principal of Eckert AgriMarketing, is fueled by one of the fastest growing trends in travel called agritourism, where tourism and agriculture intersect.

Eckert, a recognized agritourism expert, explains, "Today families and individuals want a unique travel experience, something different that connects them to their very roots. They come to our farms for festivals, to pick their own fruit or to show their children that milk actually comes from a cow instead of from a plastic carton!" Other travel trends have helped the growth of agritourism, including a post-9/11 desire to travel close to home and to use travel as a way to bring the family closer.

The seeds of FARMSTOP.com were planted when Eckert was asked repeatedly, "Where can we find listings of farms in our area?" Since there was no existing "clearinghouse" of these farm destinations, Eckert decided to take the bull by the horn and create it herself. The user-friendly FARMSTOP.com lets visitors click on any state in America or region in Canada in order to get linked to lists of farms, ranches or wineries in that area.

Eckert understands why the public is so interested in a farm or ranch experience. She is the sixth generation to grow up in Southern Illinois on her family's peach orchard, where she eventually became vice
president of marketing. "When people come to visit the farm, I see in their eyes the same wonder and enthusiasm of what I experienced growing up," adds Eckert.

The diversity of activities in agritourism is as rich as the variety of crops and livestock raised by farmers and ranchers. Corn mazes, wagon rides, haunted hay rides, apple-pie eating contests, animal petting corals, country restaurants and gift stores, rodeos, concerts, horseback riding, fishing, tours, and more. (For a more complete list of activities, visit farmstop.com and click on "agritourism.")

For Eckert, FARMSTOP.com is a natural extension of her work promoting agritourism by making presentations and conducting workshops to agricultural groups and tourism organizations. She has also consulted with many farmers to help them learn to market their commodities directly to consumers.

"The small farm is quickly disappearing, which is very sad considering this country was founded on the shoulders of hardworking farmers and their families. My personal mission is to help family farmers thrive and survive for future generations, and agritourism is a proven way to help increase revenue for these folks struggling to make ends meet. The new approach also gives the younger generations' new roles to play, often in operating and marketing the tourism activities." Eckert adds.

Eckert AgriMarketing, one of only a few national firms focused exclusively on agritourism and farm marketing, offers a full array of services to the farming and tourism community. Eckert AgriMarketing can be reached at 314-862-6288 or by visiting www.eckertagrimarketing.com

Jane E. Eckert is principal of Eckert AgriMarketing (www.eckertagrimarkting.com), a full-service marketing and public relations firm that helps farmers to sell directly to consumers, diversify operations and become tourist destinations. Jane can be reached by phone 314-862-6288 or you can and email her directly.