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Farmers and counties split over bill to ‘fortify’ agritourism; debate centers on local control and definitions
Summary
HB 2129 would broaden authorization and protections for agritourism activities on farmland; agricultural associations and some farmers supported expanded options to diversify farm income, while conservation groups, several county officials and production farmers warned the bill’s broad language could convert productive farmland to commercial venues and undercut local land-use protections.
House Committee on Local Government members heard sharply divided testimony on House Bill 2129, which seeks to fortify agritourism by clarifying and expanding activities allowed on agricultural land and directing the Department of Commerce to modify guidance or rules that inhibit agritourism.
Supporters — including the Washington Farm Bureau, some individual farmers and agricultural innovators — said agritourism can diversify revenue, help farms survive a structural economic crisis and keep…
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