Eco-farm and eco-village: what it is, how it works and how it differs from an agricultural estate

Eco—farm, eco-village, and farmstead are concepts that are often found in country vacation offers. At the same time, there is no single legal definition for all three formats: farms, country hotels, tourist complexes or settlements for permanent residence may be hidden behind similar names.

The difference becomes especially noticeable if you choose a place to relax with children, want to get to know agriculture, live in the countryside, or just spend a few days in nature.

Let's look at what is usually called an eco-farm and an eco-village, how they differ from an agricultural estate, what services can be offered to guests and what to look for when choosing.

What is an eco-farm

An eco—farm is not a separate legal status, but a common name for an operating agricultural farm that pays attention to eco-friendly technologies, animal husbandry, food production and can receive visitors.

Depending on the specific farm, there may be:

• livestock and poultry yards;
• fields, gardens and vegetable gardens;
• cheese factory or other processing industry;
• farm shop;
• sightseeing sites;
• recreation areas;
• guest houses or other accommodation facilities.

However, the very word "eco" does not automatically mean that the farm produces certified organic products. If the farm claims organic production specifically, this status should be checked separately.

For example, on Ecorancho Farm guests can get to know the animals, learn more about farm life and food production. This is a good example of a format where the agricultural component is combined with the tourist function.

What is an eco-village

Eco-village is also not a universal legal term. In different cases, it can mean completely different projects.

Some eco-villages are created as settlements for permanent living. Their concept may include:

• eco-friendly construction technologies;
• autonomous energy supply systems;
• own gardens and vegetable gardens;
• sharing infrastructure;
• minimal environmental impact;
• focus on a more independent and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Other projects use the term "eco-village" in relation to a tourist area where individual houses, cottages or other accommodation facilities are located.

Therefore, when choosing, it is important to look not at the name, but at the actual format of the object: whether it is intended for permanent residence, short-term vacation, or combines several functions.

What is an agricultural estate

Farmstead is another common term for rural recreation related to the countryside, nature and farming.

Depending on the specific object, this may be:

• a house or complex of houses in rural areas;
• a farm with guest accommodation;
• a tourist facility with an agricultural theme;
• a family farm hosting vacationers.

It is important to keep in mind that the very name "farmstead" does not determine the legal status of the property.

Eco-farm, eco-village and agricultural estate: what is the difference

Conventionally, the differences can be represented as follows:

In practice, the formats may overlap. For example, an operating farm may have guest houses and an excursion program at the same time. In this case, for a tourist it will be an eco-farm, a place for agrotourism, and a rural accommodation facility.

What is rural tourism

Rural tourism in Russia has a legal definition.

According to the current version of Federal Law No. 132-FZ "On the basics of tourist activity in the Russian Federation", rural tourism is associated with visits to rural areas and small towns with a population of up to 30,000 people for recreation, familiarization with traditional ways and customs, cultural heritage sites related to agricultural activities, as well as agricultural production.

In particular, it is possible for tourists to participate in agricultural work without material benefit for the visitor. Rural tourism can provide temporary accommodation, meals, leisure and excursions.

Thus, rural tourism is a broader concept than just a trip to a farm.

How rural tourism differs from agrotourism

The terms "rural tourism" and "agrotourism" are often used as similar terms meaning.

Agrotourism usually places more emphasis directly on agricultural activities:

• getting to know animals;
• visiting a farm;
• food production;
• gardening and crop production;
• farm life;
• seasonal agricultural work.

Rural tourism may include these activities, but its content is broader: it also includes getting to know the local culture, traditions, nature, and features of rural areas.

How the eco-farm works

The structure of a particular farm depends on its specialization and scale. Conventionally, the territory can be divided into several functional zones.

Production area

Facilities directly related to agriculture are located here.:

• animal quarters;
• poultry houses;
• fields and pastures;
• greenhouses;
• outbuildings;
• feed and equipment warehouses.

If the farm accepts tourists, visitors' access to the production areas is usually limited by safety requirements and sanitary regulations.

Recycling area

Farms may have their own food production facilities.:

• dairy products;
• cheeses;
• bread and pastries;
• meat products;
• jams and other processed products.

For example, the Ecorancho combines a farm with its own cheese factory, which guests can visit and get acquainted with cheese production.

Guest area

If the farm works with tourists, there may be:

• sightseeing areas;
• places for recreation;
• cafe or restaurant;
• children's areas;
• farm shop;
• facilities for workshops.

Residential and hotel area

Some farms offer not only guided tours, but also full-fledged accommodation.

For example, the Ecorancho features lodges, chalets, rooms in a farmstead, and treehouses.

What can I do on an eco-farm

The program depends on the specific farm and the time of the year. There is no universal set of services for all eco-farms.

On-site access may be available:

• farm tours;
• getting to know animals;
• feeding animals under the supervision of employees;
• visiting production facilities;
• tastings of farm products;
• workshops;
• horse riding;
• fishing;
• walking;
• seasonal agricultural activities.

Therefore, it is worth checking the current program of a particular farm before traveling.

Eco-farm as a holiday option with children

A farm can be interesting to children primarily because of the opportunity to see animals and processes that are practically inaccessible in the city.

The child can learn:

• where milk comes from;
• how pets are kept;
• what different animals are fed;
• how farm products are produced;
• what seasonal work is carried out on the farm.

However, age restrictions and the availability of certain activities should be clarified immediately before the trip.

For family holidays, it is useful to see in advance what activities are available to children, whether there are excursions and how the accommodation is organized. A separate program and materials on agrotourism for children.

Is it possible to live on an eco-farm

Yes, if the farm is also an accommodation facility or a hotel, guest house or other suitable accommodation format operates on its territory.

But it is important to distinguish between the two concepts.:

Farm is a place where agricultural activities are carried out.

Accommodation facility is an object intended for temporary accommodation of tourists.

They may be located on the same territory, but this does not mean that any farm is automatically a hotel.

In Russia, there is a classification system for accommodation facilities, the requirements of which depend on the specific type of facility.

How is the accommodation in the Eco-ranch

The eco-ranch combines a farm with a rural location. There are different formats available on site: lodges, chalets, rooms and treehouses.

For those who are interested in the unusual format of accommodation, you can choose tree house in Ecorancho or other accommodation options on the territory of the complex. The description of the accommodation also provides an opportunity to visit the farm.

For a family or a small company, you can also consider big tree house.

How to distinguish an active farm from a contact zoo

The current farm is primarily engaged in agricultural activities. The tourist program is an additional destination.

The petting zoo is primarily focused on visitors' visits and interactions with animals.

When choosing an eco-farm, you can pay attention to several signs::

• is there a real agricultural production;
• are animals kept not only for the entertainment of visitors;
• do they have their own products;
• does the facility tell about economic activities;
• is it possible visit the farm as part of an excursion;
• what rules apply when contacting animals.

For example, at the Ecorancho, the farm is part of a large country complex, and guests can get to know cows, calves and other inhabitants of the farm.

When is the best time to go to an eco-farm

There is no universal best season — a lot depends on the purpose of the trip.

Spring

In spring, nature comes to life, young greenery appears, and on some farms you can see young animals. However, the timing depends on the specific animals and the characteristics of the farm.

Summer

In summer, walks, farm excursions, fishing, horse riding and other outdoor activities are especially interesting.

Autumn

In autumn, you can combine exploring farming with nature walks and seasonal gastronomic activities.

Winter

Therefore, it is better to choose a date not only according to the weather, but also according to the program of a particular facility.

How much does an eco-farm vacation cost

The cost depends on the format of the trip.

The price may be affected by:

• season;
• day of the week;
• length of stay;
• type of room or house;
• number of guests;
• additional activities;
• meals;
• public holidays.

Therefore, it is impossible to name the universal price of an "eco-farm vacation."

If you plan a trip with accommodation, it is better to immediately compare not only the room rate, but also what is included in the rate: meals, excursions, visits to the territory and additional services.

It is better to check the current accommodation options and prices of Eco-anchors directly on the rooms and houses or when booking.

Eco-farm or eco-village: what to choose

The choice depends on what kind of vacation you need.

An eco-farm is suitable if you want to:

• see agricultural production;
• get to know animals;
• taste farm products;
• take an excursion;
• show children life outside the city.

An eco-village is suitable if you are interested in:

• eco-friendly lifestyle;
• rest in a separate house;
• natural environment;
• a more relaxed format of stay;
• the concept of a rural settlement.

The farmhouse is suitable if the priority is:

• living in the countryside;
• relaxing holidays;
• rural atmosphere;
• nature;
• a combination of living with simple farming activities.

In this case, one object can combine several formats at the same time.

Eco-farm for a weekend trip

For a short trip, it is more convenient to choose an object where several types of recreation are available on the same territory. This allows you not to spend a significant part of your time moving between different locations.

For example, the Eco-ranch format combines accommodation, a farm, a cheese factory, a restaurant, an equestrian club, fishing and other recreation options.

This option is especially convenient if you want to combine several goals: to spend time in nature, introduce children to animals, try farm products and just relax outside the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ecofarm and agrotourism the same thing?

No. An eco—farm is a type of farm or a common name for an object, while agrotourism is a type of tourism activity associated with visits to agricultural sites and rural areas.

How does an eco-farm differ from a regular farm?

Is it possible to live in an eco-village permanently?

Sometimes yes, but it all depends on the specific project. Some eco-villages are created for permanent residence, others are tourist complexes and are intended only for short-term holidays.

How do I check if the farm's products are really organic?

The presence of the word "eco" or "natural" on the website is not a sufficient confirmation of organic status. If we are talking specifically about organic products, it is worth checking the relevant information and the availability of the manufacturer in the state register of organic producers.

Is it possible to come to an eco-farm without accommodation?

For example, the Ecorancho provides a day visit to the farm, so you can get acquainted with the farm not only within the framework of a multi-day stay.

Eco-farm as a format of rural recreation

An eco—farm is not just a place where you can look at animals. In a successful format, it combines agriculture, nature, gastronomy, excursions and recreation.

When choosing, you should focus not only on the beautiful name, but also on the content: whether the farm really works, what activities are available to guests, how the accommodation is organized, what is included in the price and whether the program is suitable for your company.

If you want to combine acquaintance with farming with a full-fledged country vacation in the Moscow region, you can see the offers Ecorancho — there is a farm, a cheese factory, an eco-hotel and other recreational facilities on the same territory.