New AGRITOURISM Act Creates USDA Office to Boost Farm Income Through Weddings and U-Pick Operations

The newly proposed Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces Act, or the AGRITOURISM Act, sets up a dedicated federal office within the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote farm-based tourism. This bill is essentially Congress saying that having people visit farms for fun, education, or even weddings is a crucial way to keep small, rural farms financially stable. The core action is the creation of a new Office of Agritourism, headed by a Director, tasked with integrating agritourism into existing USDA programs and offering technical assistance to farmers wanting to diversify their income.

The Farm-to-Table Experience Gets Federal Backing

Congress believes agritourism—which covers everything from educational tours and wildlife viewing to on-site breweries, direct sales, and guest ranches—offers significant financial, educational, and social benefits. For the farmer, this means supplemental income that helps buffer against unpredictable commodity markets. If you run a small family farm, this bill recognizes that hosting a fall festival or running a bed-and-breakfast on your property is just as legitimate a business strategy as growing corn. The bill specifically notes that this diversification helps spur economic growth in rural areas and keeps agricultural history alive (SEC. 2).

What the New USDA Office Actually Does

The most tangible change in the AGRITOURISM Act is the establishment of the Office of Agritourism (SEC. 3). This new office won't be handing out checks directly, but it will be the central hub for making sure federal policy supports these ventures. The Director's job is to encourage and promote agritourism nationwide. This means advising the Secretary of Agriculture, but more importantly for everyday farmers, it involves providing outreach, mentoring, and technical help. Think of it as a specialized consulting service: the office will review and improve existing farm business programs, focusing on financial planning, marketing, and business structure specifically tailored for agritourism.

For a farmer looking to turn an old barn into a wedding venue, this office could be the place to find streamlined advice on navigating USDA loan programs or developing a viable business plan. It’s about cutting through bureaucratic red tape and making sure existing federal resources are actually accessible to people running a diversified farm business.

The Catch: Defining 'Agritourism'

The bill defines agritourism activities broadly, including educational experiences, outdoor recreation, special events, direct sales, and lodging. However, there’s a clause that grants the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to include “anything else the Secretary determines to be agritourism” (SEC. 3). While this flexibility could be useful for adapting to new trends, it also gives the USDA a lot of leeway. For now, the focus is clearly on supporting farm-based activities, but this broad definition means the scope of what the new office promotes could expand significantly down the line. Overall, this legislation is a clear signal that the federal government is formally recognizing and investing in the business of farm hospitality as a critical component of rural economic stability.