Page 36 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County

CHAPTER 2: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY AGRICULTURE SECTOR

8. Do you view rural tourism as a strength or a 9. Legislation: Do you feel legislation addressing
challenge to production agriculture? agritourism in recent years has had an impact on
your agriculture operation? What do you feel is a
Most interviewees interpreted rural tourism as both good number of events? Overnight guests?
a strength and a challenge for agriculture. Rural
tourism needs to be carefully developed so that it Most interviewees agreed that some kind of

can be a true strength for agriculture. Even with regulatory framework would be helpful. Most are
the challenges, it is viewed as an important way to aware that legislation exists (SB 960 was mentioned)
diversify some farms to keep them sustainable while but most are unsure exactly what the legislation
educating the public about farming. Farm products says. No interviewees offered an exact or ideal
sold directly to the public on farms or at farmers number of events or overnight guests, but a few
markets, generally speaking, bring a higher profit suggested that regulations need to allow a level of
margin than farm products sold to a retailer (such as activity that will make such efforts profitable. Some
grocery store or restaurant) or a distributor. suggested that the allowed numbers should be a
reviewed decision for each property, taking into
Most said activities and events should not consideration the nature of an event, activity, or
take high-value farm land permanently out of operation; neighbor agreements; potential impacts
production, but land could be used after harvest. on high-value farm land, roads and parking; and
Also, they cited examples of land areas including proximity to similar activities or events in the area.

groves of trees, forests, natural areas, or residential There did not seem to be a mutually-accepted
parts of farms that could be used for activities and definition/perception by stakeholders as to what
events. Some believed barns and farm buildings constitutes “activities” or “events” on farms.
should be able to be used for activities and events
as long as they are safe to inhabit.

All interviewees were of the opinion that most
farms are not visitor ready. Furthermore, all
interviewees believed that most farmers do not
wish to spend the time interacting with visitors and

are better suited to wholesale production.

32 WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY