Why a BC AgriTourism Code of Standards?
The BC AgriTourism Code of Standards is designed to promote growth in BC's agritourism industry and 'raise the bar' for agritourism across the province. In 2001, researchers found that product and service quality control is a challenge in BC's agritourism industry. They recommended that BC develop quality standards and encourage the use of these standards. BCATA followed this recommendation and developed the Quality Assurance Program to raise the quality of agritourism products and services in BC.

The Quality Assurance Program is designed to:

Increase the quality of agritourism products and services
Improve consumer safety and health at agritourism businesses
Enhance our reputation for agritourism experiences
Strengthen the local, regional and international agritourism markets
Increase farmer and consumer awareness of quality assurance.
Showcase British Columbia as a leading agritourism destination
How does the Quality Assurance Program work?
The Quality Assurance Program allows agritourism operators to become "accredited". You can become accredited by completing an application form (see bottom of page) and meeting the required quality standards. Once you have met the required standards and submitted your completed application form, you will be eligible for the benefits of accreditation. Sometime in the first year, your business will be visited by a BCATA inspector to ensure that you are continuing to meet the required standards and make recommendations for helping you improve your business.

BC AgriTourism Code of Standards (March 2005)
Required standards are listed in bold.

Business operations
All legal requirements are met and all necessary licences and permits have been obtained
Business hours are posted and adhered to
The business has adequate insurance, including public liability
Current marketing materials accurately describe business
Hospitality and Customer Service
Customers are greeted and welcomed in a friendly manner
Staff is knowledgeable and able to answer questions from customers
On-the-job training is provided to staff, including customer service training
Clean toilet facilities with hand washing facilities are available to customers*
Hand-washing facilities with soap and clean paper towels are available
Safety and Risk Management
Areas accessible to guests are well maintained and free from hazards
At least one worker on site has basic (or higher) First Aid training
The business has an established emergency response plan
Professionalism
Staff maintains a professional appearance when working directly with customers
Where food is prepared, processed or served, the business owner, manager and at least one person on shift have completed FoodSafe training
Where alcohol is served, the business owner, manager and all staff who serve alcohol have Serving it Right training
Accessibility
Signage is well-maintained and legible
Sign displaying business name is posted at the entrance
Access road or driveway is safe and well maintained
Safe, adequate parking is provided for customers
Environmental Impacts
The business operates in an environmentally sensitive manner including steps to:

Reduce energy consumption
Reduce water consumption
Reduce solid and liquid wastes
Reduce chemical use
Partnerships
Business owner belongs to at least one industry association or has otherwise contributed to the growth of the industry
Information about other local businesses and activities is provided to customers
* Not applicable to a road-side stand staffed by a single person, and/or where customers stay for less than 5 minutes