Whether its pick-your-own produce or a towering ropes obstacle course, farmers expanding to popular tourism draws to subsidize their traditional agriculture production are now getting more protection with the help of the Legislature.
Act 27, introduced by Cumberland County House Rep. Barb Gleim, R-199, gives limited liability to the agritourism industry as long as farms posts signs and provide a written waiver to customers.
And other legislation is proposed as small farms often struggle to make ends meet relying solely on the crops they harvest and need to boost revenues by using their land for less traditional farming activities.
To supplement their income, farmers have turned to agritourism models like pick-your-own produce, seasonal events like haunted hayrides and fall festivals and other unique education or entertainment attractions.
Cumberland County small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can receive grant money through this program
Updated Feb 08, 2021;
The program will provide immediate support for Cumberland County small businesses negatively impacted by Covid-19.
“This grant goes to the heart of CAEDC’s mission to support our business community and improve the quality of life of the residents in the county,” CAEDC CEO Jamie Keener said in a press release. “The grant will provide necessary relief to many of our small businesses, who are in need of help.”
The first round of the grants will allow businesses to apply for two months of working capital – up to $10K. The program has a total of $275,000 available to businesses county-wide who serve Cumberland County residents.