Sanders Passes Amendment to Revive Federal Agri-Tourism Initiative to Help Struggling Family Farmers

Sanders Passes Amendment to Revive Federal Agri-Tourism Initiative to Help Struggling Family Farmers

Sanders said, "As small farms struggle to survive, it is critical that we develop new sources of revenue that will help farmers increase their incomes. The funding provided by this amendment will help farmers cater to the many tourists that come to visit the beautiful agricultural landscapes that are a part of Vermont and many other rural areas. By giving farmers the tools they need to become a part of the tourist industry we can help preserve the family farm."

The funding provided by Sanders' amendment will help farmers with the creation of tourist-friendly offerings such as farmers' markets, bed and breakfasts, food festivals, and farm tours. The program also helps them to work more closely with the tourism industry and with the creation of advertising campaigns. The National Agri-Tourism initiative operates under the USDA Rural Community Advancement Program.

Sanders said, "I am very pleased that we were able to pass this important amendment in the House to help struggling family farmers find a way to thrive and I hope that this funding is the beginning of a larger effort to promote agri-tourism. I will continue to work to make sure that this funding is maintained as this bill makes its way through the legislative process."

http://bernie.house.gov/documents/document.asp?issueNum=4906