Growing Agritourism in Washington State
From the world-class vineyards of the Columbia Valley to the bountiful farmers markets that support local growers, agritourism is one of Washington state’s fastest growing industries. Agritourism delivers a unique blend of our strong agriculture and the natural beauty that drives tourism throughout the state, attracting thousands of visitors every year. As its influence and value grows, leaders in local, state, and federal governments should support this industry that contributes more to our economy every year.
Between 2002 and 2022, income from agritourism businesses jumped from $202 million to $1.2 billion. Agriculture in Washington state already delivers billions of dollars in revenue from products and trade, and having agritourism as a serious stake in that value means we must turn our attention to its success.
Last week, I introduced the Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces—or AGRITOURISM—Act. This bipartisan legislation creates a first of its kind Office of Agritourism at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide the industry a seat at the table in D.C. Giving agritourism access to the personnel and resources housed in the agency will empower the industry and support continued growth.
As a third-generation farmer from the Yakima Valley, I understand the role small farms have in local economies. The wineries, breweries, and farmers markets contributing to the agritourism industry have deep roots in our area, and creating opportunities in the industry will help carry them into the next generation.
Agritourism is vital to our local, state, and regional economy. As I continue my work on the House Agriculture Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, I will be looking for new ways we can support this growing industry. I encourage you to explore all that our local agritourism has to offer, contribute to the success of small businesses, and enjoy the agricultural heritage that our region was built on.