S.Amdt. 4443

SA 4443, submitted by Mr. Wyden, aims to add a section on agritourism to bill S. 1383.

The purpose of this amendment is to recognize the benefits of agritourism and establish a formal role within the government to promote it. Specifically, it aims to add the following to the bill:

• Findings and Sense of Congress: It identifies agritourism as providing unique experiences (such as education, outdoor recreation, entertainment, direct sales, accommodations, and farm dining) and notes its financial, educational, and social benefits. It states that the Secretary of Agriculture should incorporate agritourism into the Department of Agriculture comprehensively.

• Agritourism Advisor: It amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to create an Agritourism Advisor. This senior official, designated in the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development, would be responsible for promoting agritourism activities and businesses in each State and on land under the jurisdiction of Indian Tribes.

• Advisor Duties: The Advisor is tasked with duties including:

  • Coordinating with Department agencies and officials.
  • Advising the Secretary on agritourism issues.
  • Updating Department programs to address best practices.
  • Providing outreach, mentorship, and technical assistance to businesses.
  • Improving farm enterprise development programs regarding marketing, business planning, and financial literacy.
  • Consolidating access to Federal resources for agritourism businesses.

• Technical and Conforming Changes: The amendment includes redesignating a section of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 and adding the Secretary's authority to carry out these new requirements.