H.R. 3470: Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces Act

This bill, known as the Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces Act, aims to enhance agritourism across the United States. It proposes the establishment of an Office of Agritourism within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support and promote agritourism activities and businesses in every state.

Key Objectives of the Bill

• Establishment of an Office of Agritourism: The USDA will create an Office of Agritourism, overseen by a Director appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, dedicated to promoting agritourism.
• Promotion of Agritourism Activities: The Director will be responsible for encouraging a variety of agritourism experiences, including:
  • Educational experiences (e.g., farm tours, winery tours)
  • Outdoor recreational activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, horseback riding)
  • Entertainment and special events (e.g., fairs, concerts)
  • Direct sales of agricultural products
  • Accommodations for visitors (e.g., bed-and-breakfasts, guest ranches)
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: The Director will work with various stakeholders, including federal and state agencies, to share best practices, provide mentorship, and offer technical assistance to agritourism businesses.
• Interagency Coordination: There will be efforts to coordinate programs across federal and state agencies to improve and promote agritourism.
• Financial and Business Support: The bill includes provisions for reviewing and improving farm enterprise development programs, focusing on business planning, financial literacy, and marketing strategies for agritourism operators.

Congressional Findings

The bill includes findings that emphasize the benefits of agritourism, such as:

• Providing unique educational experiences to the public
• Generating supplemental income for small and family-run agricultural businesses
• Spurring economic development in rural areas
• Preserving agricultural heritage and promoting diversification of farm operations

Implementation and Oversight

The Secretary of Agriculture will be responsible for overseeing the Office of Agritourism, guiding its activities, and ensuring effective outreach and support for agritourism initiatives. This could involve updating programs to reflect best practices in agritourism.

Relevant Companies

None found.