S. 3392: Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces Act

This bill, formally known as the Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces Act, or the AGRITOURISM Act, aims to enhance agritourism in the United States due to its perceived benefits for rural communities and agriculture. Below are the main points regarding what the bill would accomplish:

Purpose and Definitions

The bill establishes the role of an Agritourism Advisor within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This advisor would focus on promoting agritourism activities, which include:

• Educational experiences like tours of farms and wineries.
• Outdoor recreational activities such as horseback riding and hiking.
• Entertainment options including concerts and festivals.
• Direct sales of agricultural products.
• Accommodations such as bed-and-breakfast operations on farms.

Designation of the Agritourism Advisor

The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint a senior official within the USDA as the Agritourism Advisor. This role is meant to streamline the Department’s efforts in pushing agritourism initiatives across the country.

Responsibilities of the Agritourism Advisor

The advisor will be tasked with the following duties:

• Promote Agritourism: Encourage and promote agritourism activities in conjunction with state governments and tribal lands.
• Advise on Agritourism Issues: Provide expertise to the Secretary regarding agritourism-related topics.
• Update Programs: Ensure that USDA programs reflect current best practices in agritourism.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct outreach and foster partnerships to share knowledge and provide help to agritourism businesses.
• Program Coordination: Work with other agencies to develop resources for promoting agritourism.
• Business Development Support: Improve programs that assist agritourism operators with financial literacy and business planning.
• Resource Consolidation: Facilitate access to federal resources for agritourism ventures.

Legislative Context

This bill acknowledges the benefits agritourism brings, including financial support for small farmers, educational opportunities, and economic development in rural areas. It reflects a shift in recognizing agritourism as a legitimate and valuable sector of the agricultural economy.

Conclusion

The AGRITOURISM Act is designed to formalize the support for agritourism, helping rural communities and agricultural businesses efficiently utilize this model and ultimately fostering sustainable practices within the agricultural industry.

Relevant Companies

• AGRI - Agrivida Inc.: This company focuses on developing agricultural solutions and may benefit from increased engagement in agritourism as a way to showcase its applications.
• TGOD - The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd.: An agricultural company involved in the hemp cultivation may find opportunities through agritourism initiatives promoting sustainable practices.