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Weekly Interim Update from November 20, 2015

Agriculture

SB 304- Relating to Agritourism
On Tuesday, November 17th, SB 304, relating to Agritourism, by Senator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) passed unanimously through the Senate Community Affairs Committee  with 7 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this bill.

The bill prohibits local governments from enforcing any local ordinance, regulation, rule, or policy that prohibits, restricts, regulates, or otherwise limits an agritourism activity on land classified as agricultural land under Florida’s greenbelt law. An “agritourism activity” is any agricultural related activity consistent with a bona fide farm or ranch or in a working forest that allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy activities, including farming, ranching, historical, cultural, or harvest-your-own activities and attractions.

Agritourism is one of the many methods farmers use to diversify and increase their income.
SB 304 will now head to the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee.

AIF supports any legislation that allows Florida farmers to safely expand their businesses through the use of Agritourism.