H.R.3470 - Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces Act; AGRITOURISM Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3470, the AGRITOURISM Act, aims to establish an Office of Agritourism within the Department of Agriculture. This office would promote and support agritourism activities and businesses across the United States. The bill identifies various facets of agritourism, including educational experiences, outdoor recreation, entertainment, direct sales, and accommodations.
Expected Effects
The establishment of the Office of Agritourism is intended to provide a centralized resource within the USDA for promoting and coordinating agritourism initiatives. This could lead to increased economic opportunities for rural communities and enhanced educational and recreational experiences for the public. The bill also seeks to update existing USDA programs to better address the needs of agritourism businesses.
Potential Benefits
- Economic Development: Spurs economic growth in rural areas by supporting agritourism businesses.
- Educational Opportunities: Enhances educational experiences for children and families through farm visits and related activities.
- Supplemental Income: Provides additional income streams for small and family-run agricultural enterprises.
- Preservation of Heritage: Helps preserve agricultural heritage and promotes diversification of farms.
- Community Benefits: Offers financial, educational, and social advantages to local communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Overregulation: The establishment of a new office could lead to increased bureaucracy and regulatory burdens.
- Resource Allocation: Funding for the Office of Agritourism might divert resources from other critical agricultural programs.
- Environmental Concerns: Increased tourism could strain local environments if not managed sustainably.
- Uneven Distribution of Benefits: Benefits might not be evenly distributed across all regions or types of agricultural operations.
- Limited Scope: The focus on agritourism might overshadow other important aspects of rural development.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It falls under Congress's power to regulate commerce and support agriculture. No specific constitutional conflicts are immediately apparent. The establishment of an office within the Department of Agriculture is an executive function, and Congress has the power to legislate in this area.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).