Farmers urge Loudoun County to refine zoning definitions and support agritourism

A heated discussion on conservation easements and agritourism took center stage at the Loudoun County Transportation and Land Use Committee meeting on April 24, 2025. Farmers and conservationists voiced concerns over recent proposals that could undermine the integrity of conservation agreements, which are designed to protect agricultural land from development.

One farmer highlighted a troubling scenario where development rights from a property under a conservation easement were allegedly revived to increase density on a neighboring parcel. "If either of these components is removed, the easement sort of has no purpose," he stated, emphasizing that such practices threaten the very foundation of conservation efforts in the county. He urged the committee to ensure that zoning ordinances do not allow for this kind of manipulation, which he believes contradicts the community's commitment to preserving farming and green spaces.

The meeting also addressed the definition of a farm and agricultural operations. Several speakers, including local farmers, stressed the importance of distinguishing between legitimate agricultural practices and activities that could harm the environment. One farmer pointed out that while agritourism can be beneficial, it must not overshadow the primary purpose of farming. "We need to support operations being agriculture first and tourism second," she asserted, warning against the potential negative impacts of purely tourism-driven activities on local communities and infrastructure.

Another speaker, who runs a flower farm and winery, advocated for aligning local agritourism definitions with state codes to foster growth and sustainability in the sector. She proposed removing the term "agritainment," calling it redundant and unnecessary.

As the committee continues to deliberate on these critical zoning issues, the discussions underscore the delicate balance between promoting agricultural innovation and protecting the environment in Loudoun County. The outcomes of these conversations could significantly shape the future of farming and land use in the region.