Agritourism — think farm stays, u-pick orchards, winery tours, farm-to-table dining, and ranch vacations — has become an important source of income for small and family-run farms, but there's no one in the federal government specifically focused on supporting it. This bill would create an Agritourism Advisor position within the USDA's Office of Rural Development to promote agritourism nationwide and on Tribal lands. The advisor would coordinate across USDA programs, help agritourism businesses navigate federal resources, share best practices, and support financial literacy and business planning for farm operations looking to diversify their revenue.
Congressional Summary
Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces Act or the AGRITOURISM ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture to designate an Agritourism Advisor within the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development. The advisor must encourage and promote agritourism activities and businesses in each state and on land under the jurisdiction of Indian tribes.Under the bill, agritourism activities and agritourism businesses include educational experiences, outdoor recreation, entertainment and special events, direct sales, and accommodations.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in Senate
- Action Date
- 2025-12-09
- Date Added
- 2026-04-09