HOUSE BILL NO. 1396 Offered January 10, 2008 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 3.1-14.02, relating to agritourism. ---------- Patron-- Lohr ---------- Committee Referral Pending ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 3.1-14.02 as follows:

§ 3.1-14.02. Commissioner to promote agritourism; duties and responsibilities.

The Commissioner shall:

1. Promote agritourism in Virginia to potential visitors, both nationally and internationally, as a means of assisting and sustaining the Virginia agriculture industry;

2. Develop a statewide agritourism master plan;

3. Coordinate efforts to educate the public about the importance of Virginia's agricultural heritage and industry;

4. Provide support, education, and resource materials for all interested persons, including existing Virginia agritourism businesses, displaced tobacco farmers, and others engaged in agribusiness within the Commonwealth or who intend to develop an agritourism business. Assistance shall be provided in the following areas:

a. Agritourism opportunities, networks, product development, and entrepreneurship;

b. Agritourism funding opportunities, including grants, loans, and partnerships; and

c. Insurance and infrastructure concerns of the agritourism industry;

5. Develop working and partnership relationships with federal, state, and local organizations to carry out the purposes of this section; and

6. Create an agritourism website and advertisements for agritourism.

As used in this section the term "agritourism" means the act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural, or agribusiness operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education, or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation.