North Carolina's women and men farmers reacted very differently to the Covid-19 pandemic

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Farmers are resourceful entrepreneurs that overcome many challenges to keep their farms financially viable, ensure their legacy of land ownership and stewardship, and grow healthy food for their communities.  Much like all other entrepreneurs, farmers pivot their business approaches to adapt to new market opportunities, including sales of product to restaurants and of product and experiences to visitors.  While these pivots may help diversify their revenue streams, their involvement in tourism exposes them to new challenges.


Here are some of the key findings from this study: 

  • Farmers are integrated in the State’s tourism system in multiple and changing ways. 
  • Both men and women farmers reported being less interested in providing farm tours, and identified these tours as important sources of income in relation to other sources. 
  • Women farmers reported an increased interest in product and experience sales in comparison to pre-pandemic levels. 
  • Women farmers reported being more satisfied with their entrepreneurial activities, which suggests unique training and support opportunities for women farmers could be beneficial to further increase their involvement and satisfaction with such activities. 
  • The Covid-19 pandemic led many farmers to pivot their business plans and activities, and women and men farmers identified a slate of strategies that helped them remain viable.    

The uncertainty of the pandemic and other climate, socio-political, and public health crises will continue to present challenges for farmers.  This study provides novel insights into the ways in which farmers adapt their involvement in local foods systems and tourism in reaction to the Covid-19 crisis.  We hope the study will inform Extension programs and stimulate continued research in this topic.

 

Study conducted by:

Duarte B. Morais, Associate Professor and Tourism Extension Specialist, NC State University

Dylan Dodson, Graduate Assistant, P1tLab, NC State University

Jerry Lee, Assistant Professor, NC State University

Becky Bowen, Program Manager CRD, NC State Extension

Bruno S. Ferreira, Assistant Professor, Arizona State University

Hannah Dankbar, Local Food Program Manager, NC State Extension

 

Photo: Magnolia Concierge is a partner of NC State's Vacationer Supported Agriculture project.  They deliver fresh farm products from local growers to vacationers staying in mountain cabins in Haywood County, Western North Carolina.

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