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Typically, this is done is by defining agritourism uses within the code and permitting them as accessory uses to primary agricultural uses within the zoning ordinance. Agritourism strategies can also be incorporated into functional plans, such as farmland protection plans or agricultural economic development plans.Ĭounties and municipalities may adopt zoning regulations that encourage agritourism and its accompanying economic benefits by allowing for these activities without imposing undue burdens or costs on farmers. This is typically addressed in an agriculture element, though it can be reinforced within the economic development element. Planning and Zoning for Agritourismįor communities that wish to support and promote their local agricultural sectors through agritourism, a good place to start is to incorporate goals, objectives, policies, or action items within the comprehensive plan identifying agritourism as an important approach to strengthening the farming sector. Use of farms for special private events, such as weddings, receptions, or private parties, may also be considered as an agritourism use. Educational or recreational agritourism uses can include farm tours, farm classes, farm stays, corn mazes, harvest festivals, and other similar events.
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Other agritourism activities are those that involve visiting a working farm for enjoyment of, education about, or involvement in farming activities.ĭirect marketing of farm products to consumers allows farmers to gain the full value of their products and can be accomplished through on-site produce stands as well as value-added agricultural product processing and retail facilities. One of these options is diversifying into agricultural tourism activities, including the direct marketing of farm products. Many challenges to traditional farming economies, including development pressures, rising costs, and falling prices, have forced farmers to explore a wide range of options to maintain financial viability. This Zoning Practice article discusses how planners can balance the need to preserve rural character and farming practices while allowing for agritourism enterprises in agricultural districts.


And you can filter these search results by various geographic and demographic characteristics.ĪPA Resource Agritourism Zoning Down on the Farm The terms agricultural tourism or agritourism are commonly used to describe any activity incidental to the operation of a farm that brings members of the public to the farm for educational, recreational, or retail purposes.īecause many local zoning codes prohibit all undefined uses and activities, it is important for communities to specifically address agritourism uses in their plans and ordinances - both to allow farmers to integrate such uses into their operations and to control the potential negative impacts to rural character and agricultural practices that may result.įrom this page you can search for resources that provide background, policy guidance, and examples of local plan recommendations and zoning standards for agritourism from across the country.

This typically takes the form of permitting the pursuit of value-added, agriculturally related, accessory commercial uses on working farms. One way to support agricultural economic development efforts in rural areas is to promote the diversification of farm-related activities. Membership for Allied Professionals & Citizens
