County hears from area farmers on agritourism

By Aven Wright-McIntosh

“I should be able to do whatever I want on my land to generate revenue and enable me to continue farming,” a farmer commented. An engaged group of two dozen attendees gathered last Thursday evening at Maple Hall to discuss with Skagit County planners the development of agritourism and its impact on farms and farmers.

Staff are reviewing what agritourism means to the County’s agricultural community, rural residents and other stakeholders.

Agritourism is generally considered to be a commercial enterprise at a working farm, ranch or agricultural plant conducted for the enjoyment of visitors, generating income for the owner. Activities could involve education, entertainment, direct sales, outdoor activities, or hospitality.

Think Snow Goose Produce, Schuh Farms, Festival of Family Farms and the Tulip Festival on one end of the scale with pop-up seasonal berry stands and La Conner Gardens on the other.

Lisa Grueter, principal planner with BERK Consulting of Seattle, presented a series of projected slides and guided the discussion. Easel-mounted zoning maps were displayed and color handouts complemented the presentation.

The process began in January last year and will end next winter. An online survey in early 2021 netted 166 responses while a survey this fall has more than 500. It is a topic with lasting impact on the county’s rural character. “Our heritage is small farms and small farmers. Let’s keep that,” someone insisted. “It’s very difficult to close the gate once it’s open,” said another.

“We need to make provisions with an upper limit, so we don’t let in everything under the sun – we don’t want a Denny’s,” said Kai Ottesen, farm manager with Hedlin Farms.

Kraig Knutzen, farm manager for Knutzen Farms in Burlington, is a fifth-generation farmer with an active sixth generation in the queue. “When we talk about corporate agriculture, it doesn’t really exist in Skagit. How can we continue to operate in a positive light around agritourism with compatible, not competing uses and make sure it’s done in a congenial way, so they don’t harm each other?” he asked.

A lively discussion between staff and attendees filled the hour. Comments were recorded to be added to those from two public meetings earlier this month. An agritourism town hall Dec. 6 in the Skagit County Commissioner’s hearing room will follow.

What’s next? Based on feedback from research and policy proposals from County staff, a legislative proposal will be developed for consideration by the Skagit County Planning Commission and county commissioners. This process allows the County to propose amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, zoning map and development regulations, with input from the public and stakeholders, to address agritourism.

Hal Hart, Skagit County planning and development services director, summed it up with a question and an invitation; “What do you want to see in your valley? What should you be able to do with your 20 acres that supports farming as a primary use and yet avoids negative effects on neighboring properties? Now is the best time to weigh in.”

Learn more and share your insights through Dec. 6 at skagitcounty.net/agritourism.