Surplus vegetables go into value-added products such as pickles, relishes and stewed tomatoes. Other excess is used to feed the pigs and chickens. This integrated operation is a big hit with customers, who now have no question about where their food originates. The Varney Farm is not the only farm in Maine oriented toward tourism. A regular schedule of farm tours is maintained.
Lunch is extra.
A further option for recreational farming is leasing wooded land or marginal cropland for hunting, fishing, or hiking. Hunting leases are the most common form of recreation leases and can range from one-day trespass fees to guided trips and lodging. Such use can sometimes be combined with overnight lodging, campgrounds, and a farm store. Many farms, farmers' markets, and producer directories are now on-line. With a click of the mouse comes the opportunity for a worldwide audience to access your information.