Summary
The beauty and fun of agriculture can be a big draw bringing tourist dollars into rural areas. We would like to see Missouri create a standardized road signage program to promote these popular destinations.
Agritourism is one of the fastest-growing parts of the rural economy, often bringing people from hundreds of miles away to spend time and money amidst the beauty of agriculture. Missouri should follow the lead of surrounding states and create a standardized road signage program to promote these popular destinations.
Background
MODOT does not currently have a comprehensive roadside signage program to promote agritourism venues. The limited program it has for wineries has been very successful and should be expanded to include other venues, such as orchards, pumpkin patches, and on-farm bed and breakfast facilities.
Status
MOFB has been working with legislative and administrative leaders to bring to light the impact agritourism has around the state. There is a lot of interest from lawmakers to in support this area of agriculture and tourism. We will continue to work toward a unified signage program for Missouri.
MOFB Policy
We encourage Missouri Farm Bureau to continue a dialogue with the Missouri Department of Transportation and other interested parties to meet the needs of the agritourism industry in regards to reasonable and adequate roadside signage.
