Texas agritourism operations — farms offering U-pick experiences, corn mazes, farm-to-table dinners, wedding venues, ranch stays, and educational tours — can access several USDA programs to fund infrastructure, marketing, and business development. These programs support the growing intersection of agriculture and tourism that helps Texas farms diversify revenue.
Key USDA Programs for Agritourism
Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)
Agritourism operations that add value to agricultural products — such as a farm that processes its own honey, jams, or wine for on-site sale — may qualify for VAPG grants up to $75,000 for planning or $250,000 for working capital. The agritourism component itself may qualify as a value-added activity when it creates a new market opportunity for the farm's products.
Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)
RBDG grants fund technical assistance, training, and business development in rural areas. Agritourism operations in eligible rural areas (generally under 50,000 population) may access these grants for feasibility studies, marketing plans, and business planning.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Agritourism operations can apply for REAP grants for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy installations. Solar panels for a farm event venue, energy-efficient refrigeration for a farm store, or efficient HVAC for a tasting room all qualify. REAP guide.
Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP)
The LFPP funds projects that develop local and regional food business enterprises. Agritourism operations that include farm stands, community-supported agriculture (CSA), or direct-to-consumer sales channels may qualify.
Texas-Specific Resources
- Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA): The GO TEXAN program promotes Texas agricultural products and agritourism destinations, providing marketing exposure and branding support
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Provides technical assistance on agritourism development, liability management, and business planning
- Texas agritourism liability protection: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 75A provides certain liability protections for agritourism operations that post required warning signs and maintain safety standards
Infrastructure Needs and Funding
Common agritourism infrastructure investments that can be funded through USDA and complementary programs include:
- Event barns and pavilions
- Parking areas and access roads
- Restroom facilities
- Farm stores and tasting rooms
- Irrigation and landscape improvements
- Signage and wayfinding
- Safety improvements and ADA compliance
- Commercial kitchen facilities for on-farm food preparation
Complementary Programs
- USDA FSA loans: Farm ownership and operating loans for infrastructure. FSA loans guide.
- SBA 7(a) loans: For working capital and equipment not covered by USDA programs. SBA 7(a) guide.
- Chapter 380 agreements: Some rural Texas communities offer incentives for tourism-generating businesses. Chapter 380 guide.
Bottom Line
Texas agritourism operations sit at the intersection of agriculture and tourism, which gives them access to both USDA agricultural programs and general business incentives. The most relevant USDA programs — VAPG, RBDG, REAP, and LFPP — can fund the planning, infrastructure, energy, and marketing investments that help farms diversify into tourism revenue. Rural location is a prerequisite for most of these programs, which aligns naturally with where agritourism operations are located.
Not sure which programs may fit your agritourism business? Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs — grants, tax credits, loans, and incentives — and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →