DAVIS, Calif. – Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis), Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Sustainable and Organic Agriculture, will hold an informational hearing entitled, “Agritourism in California: Opportunities and Challenges of Becoming a Destination.”

The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, at UC Davis in King Hall, Kalmanovitz Appellate Courtroom- Room 1001.

“As more Californians become interested in locally sourced food, the desire for more interaction with growers and farmers also increases,” stated Assemblymember Yamada. “Farmers are responding by seeking new and innovative ways to include attractions like corn mazes, pumpkin patches and wine tasting, but legal issues surrounding these activities remain.”

Agritourism is defined as any commercial enterprise on a working farm or ranch created for the enjoyment or education of visitors and generates supplemental income for the owner.

Activities may include farm stands or shops, fairs, festivals, winery weddings, youth camps, hunting or fishing, and more.

The hearing will explore the obstacles encountered in establishing agritourism destinations and explore opportunities for state and local governments to assist farmers considering an agritourism operation.

Panelists include leaders of the University of California Small Farm Program; Solano/Yolo Farmbudsman Michelle Stephens; and farmers who have added agritourism elements to their farms.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.

For more information on the hearing, please contact 916-319-2004.