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<br /> Representative Graig Meyer said this year's farm bill, Senate Bill 615, called for this
<br /> issue to be taken up, and he has asked to be informed when this commission will be meeting,
<br /> etc.
<br /> Representative Graig Meyer said commissions typically come back with
<br /> recommendations, and if the study committee votes to approve those recommendations, they
<br /> will become part of some bill for the next year's legislative process. He said if this can happen,
<br /> there is a good chance of finding a fix.
<br /> Representative Graig Meyer said the challenge will be to write the appropriate statutory
<br /> language to enable the narrowing of the definition of who is eligible for agritourism businesses,
<br /> without infringing on those who have valid eligibility to use their property and livelihood in this
<br /> way.
<br /> Representative Graig Meyer said one other issue is the significant concerns expressed
<br /> by the State's Fire Marshals with these agritourism places being accountable to the fire code.
<br /> He said Fire Marshals want locations to be subject to the assembly occupancy code, which
<br /> requires emergency exits, sprinklers, etc.
<br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked if the study commission is made up of only legislators.
<br /> Graig Meyer said no, it would be made up, in equal parts, of legislators and those
<br /> nominated by the legislature, mostly working in farming and forestry.
<br /> John Roberts made the following PowerPoint presentation:
<br /> Orange County Government
<br /> Agritourism
<br /> Board of County Commissioners
<br /> September 11, 2017
<br /> Introduction
<br /> • Although not a traditional public hearing this meeting is presented as a forum for
<br /> soliciting public input, improving communications, and developing some shared
<br /> understanding about County policies and their limitations
<br /> • There will be no presentation on any specific situation
<br /> Agritourism Defined
<br /> • Agritourism is defined as "any activity carried out on a farm or ranch that allows
<br /> members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational
<br /> purposes, to view or enjoy rural activities, including farming, ranching, historic, cultural,
<br /> harvest-your-own activities, or natural activities and attractions."
<br /> Department of Agriculture
<br /> • Barnyard Animals, Fiber Animals, Farm Riding Trails, Walking Trails
<br /> • Camping, Bird Watching, Fishing, Hunting
<br /> • Farm Bed & Breakfasts, Country Cabins, Retreats, Parties, Weddings, Honeymoons
<br /> • Hay Rides, Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, Quilt Barns, Farm Craft Events
<br /> • Historic Farms, Reunions, Museums, Holiday Farms, Christmas Trees
<br /> • Pick Your Own Farms, Farm Roadside Stands, Nurseries, Flowers, Picnics
<br /> • School Field Trips, Summer Camps, Farm Vacations
<br /> • Slow Food, Dining, Vineyards, Wineries
<br /> Legal Issues
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