Sponsors (16)
The bill aims to boost rural economies and help small farms by promoting agritourism and providing coordination and technical assistance, but without new funding it risks adding USDA administrative burdens, creating safety and environmental pressures, and pushing some small farms toward commercialization.
Rural communities, small farms, and local small-business owners will receive increased tourism spending and diversified farm revenue as agritourism (events, lodging, u-pick, direct sales) expands.
Small farm and agritourism business owners will get centralized technical assistance and improved business-planning, marketing, and financial literacy support to help start or grow agritourism enterprises and access Federal programs.
Federal coordination of agritourism efforts will create a single point for program alignment, reducing duplication across agencies and making it easier for state governments and businesses to navigate Federal supports.
No dedicated funding is provided, so businesses and communities expecting resources may see limited or uneven implementation unless new appropriations are made.
Expanding USDA responsibilities for agritourism could increase regulatory oversight and administrative burden on small farms and may divert USDA staff time and attention from existing agricultural programs (opportunity costs).
Promoting agritourism (events, lodging, dining, increased visits) can raise traffic, noise, environmental pressures, and local zoning, safety, or liability concerns for rural communities and farms without clear risk controls.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Creates an Agritourism Advisor in USDA Rural Development to coordinate, promote, and provide technical assistance for farm-based tourism and related activities.
Introduced December 9, 2025 by Ronald Lee Wyden · Last progress December 9, 2025
Creates a permanent Agritourism Advisor position within USDA’s Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development to promote and coordinate agritourism activities, provide outreach and technical assistance, and align Department programs with agritourism best practices. The Advisor will work across USDA, with other federal agencies, States, and Tribal lands to consolidate resources and support farm-based tourism, education, outdoor recreation, direct sales, lodging, and events. The bill does not appropriate new funds or create penalties; it adds duties and an organizational role, redesignates an existing Food Access Liaison provision for technical alignment, and preserves Secretary authority to carry out the new Advisor role.