H.R. 3470 — AGRITOURISM Act

This section states congressional findings on the benefits of agritourism—including education (e.g., farm tours), outdoor recreation (e.g., hiking, hunting), entertainment (e.g., festivals, weddings), direct sales (e.g., u-pick operations, wineries), accommodations (e.g., farm stays), and on-farm dining—and its contributions to community finances, education, supplemental farm income, rural economic development, agricultural heritage preservation, and farm diversification. The section expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture should comprehensively incorporate agritourism into Department of Agriculture activities.

This section establishes an Office of Agritourism in the Department of Agriculture (USDA), to be headed by a senior official appointed by the Secretary as Director. The Director shall promote agritourism activities and businesses (i.e., agricultural operations providing educational experiences, outdoor recreation, entertainment and special events, direct sales, accommodations, and related activities) in each state (including the District of Columbia and U.S. territories) by (1) coordinating with USDA agencies and officials; (2) advising the Secretary; (3) updating USDA programs to incorporate best agritourism practices; (4) conducting stakeholder outreach, partnerships, mentorship, and technical assistance; (5) facilitating interagency coordination and tools; (6) reviewing and improving farm enterprise development programs on financial literacy, business planning, and marketing; (7) coordinating agritourism business networks; and (8) collaborating with other federal agencies. The section also makes a technical amendment redesignating the Food Access Liaison provision as section 224A and a conforming amendment authorizing the Secretary to carry out the new office.