LAKELAND, Fla. — More farmers and ranchers are embracing agritourism opportunities on their properties. It’s a way to incorporate recreation and educational experiences. The agritourism industry has helped generate billions in Florida alone, according to the latest census of agriculture.

What You Need To Know • Farms and ranches generated $1.26 billion in agritourism in the U.S. in 2022, the latest Census of Agriculture • Fancy Farms was started in 1974, and its market opened six years ago • The market, open October through June, is located at 5204 Drane Field Rd. in Lakeland

What started as a strawberry farm has now transformed into a spot the community can enjoy.

Kristi Grooms Barnes is the president of the Fancy Farms Market . She and her brother Dustin Grooms opened the market

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