Maryland, US

In May 2022, the Governor of Maryland approved a bill that adds “camping” and “incidental outdoor stays” to the definition of agritourism. This bill modernizes the state’s definition, opening critical economic opportunities to Maryland farmers.

The rising costs associated with land ownership and agricultural inputs have inspired rural landowners across the state to begin to search for ways to supplement their incomes. This updated definition enables farmers within the state to generate new revenue streams, putting money in the pockets of rural landowners who then invest their earnings back into their land to prevent sell-offs, pay taxes, and maintain their properties. 

The Maryland Farm Bureau partnered closely with Hipcamp and farmers across the state to advocate for the change. “Because the vast majority of Maryland citizens are three generations or more removed from farming, this change creates an opportunity for folks to increase their appreciation of where their food comes from and will create a greater appreciation for the Maryland farmer,” said Colby Ferguson, Director of Government Relations at the Maryland Farm Bureau. “This change to the state definition of agritourism also sets the roadmap for counties to add farm camping to their definition of agritourism to help farmers add value to their farm.”