WASHINGTON, D.C. - Farmers and ranchers looking to diversify their income may have a new opportunity through a grant program aimed at expanding agritourism. The American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Airbnb are partnering to launch the nationwide Farm to Stay Grant Program, which will offer funding to farmers and ranchers interested in starting or expanding farm stays and agritourism activities on their operations.

Through AFT’s Brighter Future Fund, organizers expect to award approximately 25 to 30 grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 each. The funding is intended to help farm families tap into the growing agritourism industry. Ashley Brucker, senior manager of grantmaking at American Farmland Trust, said: “Through the Farm to Stay Grant, we’ll give agricultural communities a critical foothold in a growing sector that can help bring stability and predictability to an industry facing serious headwinds.”

Interest in farm stays is growing, offering agricultural businesses another way to diversify their income. Google Trends data cited by AFT shows U.S. searches for “farm stays” nearly quadrupled between 2016 and early 2026. The trend comes as farm families face growing challenges, including escalating costs and weather-related risks. For many smaller operations, income from farming alone may not be enough. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, the median small-farm household lost approximately $2,800 from farming activities in 2024.

Meanwhile, Airbnb reports that the typical U.S. farm-stay host on its platform earned about $8,000 in 2025. Additionally, farm stays generated nearly $120 million across the U.S. while total host earnings from farm stays on Airbnb increased nearly 400 percent since 2018.

For some farmers, the extra revenue could make the difference in keeping the farm going.  As one farm operator explained, “Small farms have to find creative ways to remain viable, and welcoming guests has allowed us to diversify the farm.”

Agritourism offers farmers numerous ways to earn additional money. Depending on the operation, that might include providing overnight accommodations, offering tours, or giving visitors a chance to experience farm life and food production firsthand. 

Farm stays also bring tourism dollars to rural communities, particularly those with limited lodging options. According to Airbnb, more than 60 percent of U.S. census tracts are “hotel deserts,” where Airbnb is the only - or one of limited - lodging options available. Visitors often spend money at nearby restaurants, shops, and attractions, extending the economic benefits beyond the farm. Airbnb estimates that farm-stay guests contribute nearly $500 million to the nation’s gross domestic product and generate close to $125 million in tax revenue. That spending flows into rural businesses and generates revenue for local governments. 

These figures point to the growing economic benefits of farm stays for both farm families and their communities. “Sharing a room in the farmhouse can offset increased costs and bring tourism dollars to communities that visitors have traditionally overlooked,” said Jordi Torres Mallol, Airbnb regional director for the Americas. “The demand is only growing, and we’re proud to work with American Farmland Trust and local community partners to help farmers and ranchers meet it.”

The Farm to Stay grant program is designed to help farmers prepare their properties for visitors and develop tourism activities that generate additional income. Funding could be used to prepare accommodations for overnight guests or create experiences that introduce visitors to farm life. Options like farm-to-table dinners, wine tastings, and hands-on workshops are just some of the ways farmers can attract visitors beyond overnight stays. The grants can help farmers turn such ideas into practical opportunities that complement their existing operations. 

How to Apply

Applications for the Farm to Stay grants are scheduled to open Nov. 30 and close Dec. 4. The program expects to accept about 350 applications, which will be reviewed in the order received. Eligibility requirements and spending guidelines will be available before applications open.

A free online workshop scheduled for Nov. 13 will help farmers and ranchers explore agritourism and learn the basics of hosting through Airbnb. Topics such as preparing a farm or ranch for visitors, creating a listing, understanding guest expectations, and building a successful hosting business, among others, will be covered. The session is open to anyone interested in learning more, and applying for a Farm to Stay grant is not required to attend.

Those interested in applying can find updates and additional information through American Farmland Trust at: farmland.org/farm-to-stay.