Autumn is a crucial season for two of Kentucky's two largest industries: agriculture and tourism, particularly when they come together as agritourism. Agritourism is a premiere industry in Kentucky, and this time of year is the perfect time for farmer’s markets, pumpkins patches, fall festivals, and much more. The best part is that memory-making opportunities are available in every corner in the Commonwealth.
State and local leaders have worked in tandem over the years to provide more funding and opportunities in this space. But unfortunately, like with many things, the state's heavy-handed shutdown and Covid aftermath left a devastating impact on Kentucky's major industries. Small businesses throughout the Commonwealth, particularly in the tourism and hospitality landscape, were the hardest hit and still face significant disruptions despite all mandates now being lifted. Many continue to be marred by workforce shortages, rising prices, and supply chain hurdles. These relentless challenges have unfortunately brought a never-ending pandemic.
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee and House Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee, I am excited to report that Kentucky tourism created nearly $11.2 billion of a total economic impact last year,
generating 83,100 jobs and $810 million in state and local tax revenues. While the industry recovered some last year, it still has a way to go to make up for revenue lost during the shutdown. Kentucky topped out at around $12 billion before the pandemic, but Covid restrictions and a decline in visitors fueled $3 billion in lost earnings.
To help Kentucky's tourism industry rebound from a two-year slump, the General Assembly invested $75 million in federal Covid-relief funding to help the industry recover, while granting more opportunities for local destinations to flourish and rebound. This money will make an impact on both the state and local levels, helping to promote agritourism and other tourism destinations throughout the state.
Supporting economic growth in your local community is just as important as any appropriation we can make at the state level. When I think of fall entertainment—the hayrides through country roads, the corn mazes, and festivals—it gives me a profound sense of pride in the values and traditions that make Kentucky great. I hope you take some time this harvest season to enjoy one of the many family farms and other forms of local agritourism our commonwealth has to offer.
As always, I hope you will feel free to contact me with any questions or issues. I can be reached here at home anytime or through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. Please feel free to email me at Michael.Pollock@LRC.KY.GOV. If you would like more information about interim committees or legislative actions, you can visit the Legislative Research Commission website at legislature.ky.gov.
Lauren Holder
House Majority Leadership
Kentucky House of Representatives