The Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces Act, known as the AGRITOURISM Act , seeks to establish an Office of Agritourism within the Department of Agriculture. This new office will be tasked with encouraging and promoting a wide range of agritourism activities and businesses throughout the United States, including educational experiences, outdoor recreation, entertainment, direct sales, and accommodations. The bill emphasizes that agritourism provides significant financial, educational, and social benefits to communities, such as generating supplemental income for agricultural enterprises, spurring economic development in rural areas, and preserving agricultural heritage. A Director will be appointed to lead the office, responsible for coordinating with USDA agencies, advising the Secretary on agritourism issues, and updating departmental programs to incorporate best practices. The Director will also conduct outreach, facilitate interagency coordination, and enhance farm enterprise development programs that offer financial literacy, business planning, and marketing support for agritourism ventures.
The Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces Act, known as the AGRITOURISM Act , seeks to establish an Office of Agritourism within the Department of Agriculture. This new office will be tasked with encouraging and promoting a wide range of agritourism activities and businesses throughout the United States, including educational experiences, outdoor recreation, entertainment, direct sales, and accommodations. The bill emphasizes that agritourism provides significant financial, educational, and social benefits to communities, such as generating supplemental income for agricultural enterprises, spurring economic development in rural areas, and preserving agricultural heritage. A Director will be appointed to lead the office, responsible for coordinating with USDA agencies, advising the Secretary on agritourism issues, and updating departmental programs to incorporate best practices. The Director will also conduct outreach, facilitate interagency coordination, and enhance farm enterprise development programs that offer financial literacy, business planning, and marketing support for agritourism ventures.