Bill > HR3470

This bill establishes an Office of Agritourism within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to promote and support agricultural tourism across the United States. The bill recognizes agritourism as a diverse sector that includes educational experiences (like farm tours and agricultural exhibits), outdoor recreation (such as horseback riding and wildlife viewing), entertainment (including festivals and farm events), direct sales (like farm stands and u-pick operations), accommodations (such as farm stays), and dining experiences. The new office would be led by a Director appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, with responsibilities to coordinate across government agencies, advise on agritourism issues, conduct stakeholder outreach, facilitate partnerships, review farm enterprise development programs, and help coordinate networks of agritourism businesses. The bill emphasizes that agritourism provides multiple benefits, including generating supplemental income for small agricultural businesses, supporting rural economic development, preserving agricultural heritage, and offering educational opportunities for children and families. By creating this dedicated office, Congress aims to comprehensively integrate and support agritourism as a growing and important aspect of agricultural entrepreneurship and rural economic strategy.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3470/all-info