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Molina: County to discuss agritourism
Letter To The Editor

From Penny and Phil Molina

Brooklyn

To the Editor:

The Green County Board’s Land Use & Zoning Committee is considering changes in the zoning code that would allow for Agricultural Tourism activities on Green County farms (the code has not been updated since 1979). This revision would mean the opportunity for increase revenue streams for struggling Green County farmers and likewise benefit surrounding rural businesses. It would also get Green County more in line with state and other county’s Agricultural Tourism codes that are helping farmers in other counties thrive.

The upcoming Zoning Committee meeting is May 10, 3-5 pm at the County Courthouse on the Square, second floor. This is an opportunity for local voices to be heard and to support this important Economic Development Agricultural Tourism issue in Green County! 

The Green County Farm Bureau, Wisconsin Farmers Union South Central Chapter, Green County Development Corp, the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association and several farmers will all be making statements during the meeting’s public comment period on May 10 from 3:00-3:30 pm in support of adopting a broad definition of allowable Agricultural Tourism uses in Green County’s Agricultural Zoned District to enable farms to:

●  Host Outdoor Recreation (fishing, hunting, wildlife study, horseback riding)

●  Provide Educational Experiences (cannery tours, cooking classes, wine tasting)

●  Hold Entertainment Events (harvest festivals, hayrides, weddings, barn dances)

●  Hospitality Services (farm stays, guided tours, outfitter services)

●  On-farm Direct Sales (u-pick operations, farm stands, wine, flowers)

All of which are currently NOT allowable uses in Green County’s Agricultural District without a costly conditional use permit which the county is currently not issuing. Please help support Green County get the expansive Agricultural Tourism zoning it needs to help sustain our rural communities by attending the meeting or emailing or calling the zoning committee members their contact info can be found at https://greencountywi.org/267/Land-Use-Zoning.