Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10816)
The short title of Republic Act No. 10816 is the 'Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016.'
The State recognizes that tourism, coupled with agriculture extension services, can disseminate the value of agriculture in economic and cultural development, act as a catalyst for agriculture and fishery community development, and provide additional income for farmers, farmworkers, and fisherfolk.
Farm tourism is the practice of attracting visitors and tourists to farm areas for production, educational, and recreational purposes. It involves agricultural or fishery-based operations that bring visitors who wish to be educated and trained on farming and related activities, and provides venues for outdoor recreation and family outings.
The Farm Tourism Development Board, attached to the Department of Tourism (DOT), is created to formulate plans and programs for the development and promotion of farm tourism and set overall direction for the Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan's implementation.
The Board can: (a) formulate and oversee the Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan; (b) conduct advocacy campaigns to increase awareness of farm tourism; (c) recommend infrastructure projects for funding; (d) create technical groups to assist in its functions; and (e) establish cooperation among government agencies and stakeholders for farm tourism development.
The Board is composed of: the Secretary of the Department of Tourism as Chairperson; Secretary of the Department of Agriculture as Vice-Chairperson; Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry; presidents of an educational institution providing farm tourism programs, a national farm tourism organization, a national inbound tour operators association; and a national federation of farmers cooperatives.
Accreditation of farm tourism camps is voluntary and valid for two (2) years and may be suspended or revoked for violations of accreditation standards.
The DOT Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research and Information Management and the Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture conduct research and maintain a comprehensive farm tourism information system.
Investment promotion agencies such as TIEZA, the Board of Investments, and other agencies develop incentive programs to attract investors and practitioners. Farm tourism operators and practitioners may also avail incentives under existing laws.
It includes capacity building for operators, technical-vocational education and training for practitioners and workers, competency standards formulation for trainings, and capability building for local government units in farm tourism promotion and sustainability.