Lawmaker pushes ‘farm tourism’ development

A LAWMAKER is making an aggressive pitch for the development of “farm tourism” in the country as this is seen to help the government pursue its goal of a sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“Agriculture and tourism have a great potential in bringing income to poor farmers, not to mention [their] potential for the overall economic and cultural development of the whole country,” party-list Rep. Sharon Garin said in a statement yesterday.

“Farm tourism will introduce, educate and even train the youth on agricultural practices as well as providing outdoor recreation. This combination of actual practice and cultural immersion will also open a way for our poor farming families to earn more as it will also generate employment,” she added.

Garin explained that farm tourism, also known as agri-tourism, referred to the practice of attracting visitors and travellers to farm areas for production, educational and recreational purposes. It brings together all the farmers, tourists and visitors who want to be educated and trained in farming.

“Agri-tourism has been in the country for decades. The socioeconomic benefits, educational opportunities and the cultural impact have a great potential. Passage of the farm tourism bill as soon as possible will ensure that we will all reap these benefits,” Garin added.

Garin, who has been batting for the passage of a law that would lay out a strategic roadmap for farm tourism, authored the House version of the farm tourism bill. It was passed by Congress and transmitted to the Senate last January.

The lawmaker is hoping that the farm tourism bill will soon become a law as the Senate already passed on second reading the substitute bill last Dec. 8. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar, who also chairs the Senate committee on agriculture and food.