North Carolina Senator Ted Budd has emphasized the importance of agritourism in sustaining farms affected by Hurricane Helene. He announced new bipartisan legislation aimed at supporting the state’s expanding farm tourism industry.
“Agritourism is essential to keeping working farms afloat,” said Theodore Paul Budd, U.S. Senator from North Carolina. “Without it, many of North Carolina’s farms would have been forced to close after Hurricane Helene. I’m proud to lead this legislation with Ron Wyden to streamline resources for N.C.’s booming agritourism industry.”
Agritourism, which combines agriculture with tourism, enables farms to host visitors for activities such as tours, festivals, and direct sales. In North Carolina, this sector has become a crucial revenue source, assisting small and mid-size farms in maintaining profitability despite natural disasters.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, agritourism generated over $1 billion nationally in 2024, with North Carolina ranking among the top ten states for farm-based tourism. The sector is experiencing growth as farmers seek to diversify their income sources.
Hurricane Helene caused more than $3 billion in agricultural losses across the Southeast in 2025, significantly impacting North Carolina farms. Federal and state recovery programs have since concentrated on enhancing rural economic resilience.
Senator Budd, a Republican representing North Carolina who was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022 after serving three terms in the House, advocates for rural development, small business growth, and agricultural innovation.
North Carolina’s agriculture industry contributes over $100 billion annually to the state economy and employs nearly one-fifth of its workforce. Agritourism initiatives play a role in strengthening rural communities and promoting state heritage.
