Last week, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek held a ceremonial bill signing for a bipartisan bill allowing some non-farm activities on land zoned for agriculture.  Supporters say House Bill 4153, eases agritourism regulations and removes revenue limits.

 

Crook County State Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson was a chief sponsor of the legislation and saidit’ll make it easier for farms to diversify.

 

"Farm stores have been a part of Oregon Ag from the beginning," Breese-Iverson noted.  "They looked different back then. But communities always supported community and farmers have always fed communities."

 

Photo: Glenn Vaagen
Photo: Glenn Vaagen
loading...

 

Tillamook Senator Suzanne Weber said the new law will make it easier for Oregonians to connect with the people who grow their food.

 

"These places are sustaining our health, they’re supporting our constituents, they're improving our quality of our lives, and they’re adding to our economic bottomline."

 

Under the bill, counties can still set restrictions on traffic, noise and hours of operation.

 

Click Here to learn more about HB 4153.

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

More From PNW Ag Network