AGRITOURISM Act Pt 2

AGRITOURISM Act Pt 2

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today’s Fruit Grower Report, I’m Bob Larson. A bill called the AGRITOURISM Act has been introduced that would give rural communities and businesses a voice in the federal government.

Co-sponsor, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says it would allow rural communities in Central Washington to make the most of what they have …

NEWHOUSE … “So, this is an effort to really capitalize on those assets and to encourage the ability for small businesses to grow and to take advantage of these things that we have.”

The Ag Department, Newhouse says would be a solid advocate …

NEWHOUSE … “It creates some help through the USDA through an office of agritourism to really focus on these things, be a dedicated voice for agritourism businesses and look for ways to provide resources and help for small businesses that are either wanting to get started or wanting to continue and truly be successful.”

They’d help, Newhouse says spread the good word …

NEWHOUSE … “And provide an opportunity, another opportunity for rural folks to truly benefit from what we see as our way of life and sharing that with others that are not as familiar with agriculture as we are.”

According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, agritourism-related income jumped from $202-million in 2002 to $949-million in 2017, a 370% increase.

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