Photo Courtesy: Genuine Skagit Valley
A dispute over how farmland is used in Skagit County could put an end to agritourism.
Some of the oldest and largest farming operations are pushing to preserve land for growing crops only.
It’s a matter of simple economics: Large farmers can sell enough to wholesalers to make a profit; small growers have farmers markets.
But those in the middle must diversify using weddings, parties, and family picking events to make ends meet.
Farmers across America are diversifying just like this in the name of sustainability.
But in Skagit County some farmers are drawing a line at being asked to avoid things like putting down fertilizer because it would smell bad to visitors.
A code change is being pushed by the oldest and largest farming operations that restrict ag-land to farming, eliminating those special events and requiring special permits for U-Pick produce days.
Agriculture, including livestock and dairy is a $300M a year industry in Skagit County.
