In Oregon, it’s still legal to install a solar farm on agricultural land. But don’t even think about selling marionberry jam from your neighbor’s crop stand, hosting a flower-arranging class, or serving soup under a tent.
Under the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development’s new Farm and Forest Modernization Rules, small farms are being crushed beneath a bureaucracy that calls this “clarification.”
Effective January 1, 2025, the rules impose sweeping restrictions on what qualifies as acceptable farm stand activity in Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) zones. The agency claims it’s about “protecting farmland,” but the details tell another story.
Fall Festivals Now Require a Permit—or a Lawyer
According to a July 22 report from KATU News, DLCD’s new rules redefine “promotional events” to only include activities that directly feature a farm’s own product. That means:
- Allowed: A peach farm hosting a peach butter demo.
- Banned: Hayrides, petting zoos, live music, or craft workshops—unless they have an educational component or directly promote a specific product.
Farmers say this rewrite excludes the very activities that make agritourism viable.
The rules also cap farm-to-table events at just 17 per year. Hosting more? You’ll need an agritourism permit and must pass a “farm impact test.”
What’s Being Shut Down
The DLCD rules don’t stop at events. They also include:
- A ban on selling non-farm-made goods under temporary structures like canopies or tables used less than 90 days/year. So unless you grew it, you can’t sell it—even if it’s from the farm next door.
- A rule that farmers may only sell products made from ingredients grown on their property. No cross-selling local jam, cider, or honey.
- Expanded power for local governments to charge fees, revoke permits, and impose seven-year compliance reviews.
According to the OSU Extension Service, agritourism has become a financial lifeline for small farms, many of which are hanging on by a thread after years of inflation, drought, and labor shortages. Yet DLCD’s “modernization” is being seen by many as a death sentence.
Who’s Behind It—and Who Gets Hurt
Source: Friends.org
Farm advocacy groups like 1000 Friends of Oregon support the crackdown, arguing that farm stands have strayed too far into commercial territory. But critics say this favors corporate operators who can afford complex permitting, while family farms get regulated into oblivion.
A legislative bill that would have clarified farm stand activity died at adjournment, giving DLCD full control to write the rules on its own.
With the public comment deadline set for July 25, farmers are urging Oregonians to speak up. You can submit feedback by emailing farmforest.comment@dlcd.oregon.gov, contacting your state legislator, or weighing in via Governor Kotek’s office.
Oregon said it was protecting farmland. But what it’s really doing is shutting down the families who give that land its life.
See Topaz Farm’s Call-to-Action on their instagram.
From Topaz Farm’s Website:
IMPORTANT: By Friday, July 25th, please email your thoughts to DLCD opposing their draft rules: farmforest.comment@dlcd.oregon.gov
Below is a sample letter OREGONIANS can copy and send to DLCD, Governor Kotek and your local legislators (Find your representatives).
Please, take a moment to comment about your personal experience or connections to farms via agritourism.
Review the rule: Read Draft
With much appreciation,
Kat & Jim
Subject: Please Protect Oregon’s Farmstands and Agritourism
Dear [Governor Kotek] [Representative] [Senator]
I’m writing as a proud Oregonian and someone whose family has made countless memories at local farm stands and agritourism events. From picking apples in Hood River to enjoying farm-to-table dinners and seasonal festivals, these experiences have become part of our family’s story— and part of what makes Oregon so special.
These farms aren’t just places to visit. They’re run by hardworking families who support local jobs, bring life to our rural communities, and help preserve Oregon’s agricultural heritage. That’s why I’m deeply concerned about the proposed farm stand permit rules from DLCD. These rules would create new restrictions, fees and enforcement systems that will make it harder for small farms to survive.
Farmstands and agritourism businesses deserve our support—not more pressure. They’re already doing the hard work of growing food, welcoming visitors, educating the public, and keeping our rural economy strong. Please stand with them and oppose these rules. Let’s make sure Oregon continues to be a place where agriculture and community thrive together.
Thank you for listening and for standing up for Oregon’s farmers.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your City], Oregon
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