Ventura County Star - “Agricultural tourism” is usually a sophisticated way to sell produce: Bring people to your farm, let them pet the animals or pick some berries, and perhaps they’ll leave with a greater appreciation for fresh, local fruits and vegetables.

Limoneira Co. wants to use agritourism to sell Santa Paula — and, by extension, itself, since Limoneira is planning a large residential development on the east end of town.

“This is the most beautiful place in the world, and the way to get people interested in this town and this area is to bring them in and show them the agriculture,” Limoneira CEO Harold Edwards said. “To be blunt about it really, it’s a way to bring people in to sell them houses.”

Edwards’ company has envisioned an agricultural tourism operation for years, and now it’s close to a reality. Today, the Ventura County Planning Commission is scheduled to vote on a permit that would allow Limoneira to operate hot air balloon rides, tours of its orchards and packing houses, bicycle tours of its property, and catered lunches and dinners in the orchards. The company was recently granted a separate permit to hold weddings, banquets and other special events.

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