AGRITOURISM Act

This bill would create an Office of Agritourism inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture to encourage farm- and ranch-based tourism across the country. The office would support agritourism in every state, plus D.C. and U.S. territories. Examples include farm lessons and tours, outdoor activities, festivals and events, direct farm sales, on-farm lodging, and dining on a farm .

The office would coordinate USDA programs, advise the Agriculture Secretary, update programs to reflect best practices, and do outreach with farmers and partners to share tips, mentorship, and technical help. It would also build networks, improve programs that teach financial literacy, business planning, and marketing for agritourism, and work with other federal agencies when needed. Congress notes that agritourism can bring extra income to small and family-run farms, boost rural economies, preserve farm heritage, and offer learning for kids and families; it urges USDA to fully include agritourism in its work .

• Who is affected: Farmers and ranchers (often small or family-run), visitors and families, and rural communities.
• What changes: USDA would set up a new Office of Agritourism, led by a director, to promote activities, coordinate programs, share best practices, and strengthen business skills and marketing for agritourism; it would also partner across federal agencies.
• When: If passed, USDA would establish the office; no specific start date is listed in the summary provided .