ID Agritourism Legislation Will Benefit Farmers and Ranchers

ID Agritourism Legislation Will Benefit Farmers and Ranchers

Looks like Idaho Legislators may well wrap up their session this week. One of the bills that is soon to be signed by the Governor is the Agritourism Promotion Act.

Owner and Operator of Meridian, Idaho’s The FarmStead Corn Maze Jim Lowe explains more.

Lowe: “This legislation has three parts. One defines agritourism in Idaho law. The second part of the legislation provides a little bit of reduction of liability for producers of agritourism. Then the last part of this bill just clarifies that agritourism activities on a farm will not be used as a justification for removing an agricultural tax exemption on that farm.”

Farmers or ranchers have many different AgriTourism opportunities: bed and breakfasts, working cattle ranch experiences, u-pick vegetables or fruits to name a few.

Lowe who has been involved in agritourism for approximately 14 years explains additional benefits.

Lowe: “Really it is a way to showcase agriculture to a population that is becoming increasingly urbanized. It is exciting industry -- it’s an exciting area. It offers some opportunities for diversification of income and it offers educational opportunities and something that has a wide appeal which is good for society and it is clean, wholesome fun.”

He adds that this piece of legislation had strong support from all of the state. It will go into affect July first. 

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