Rep. Todd Polinchock (R-Bucks) recently introduced a bill that would allow small farms and orchards to engage in agritainment and agritourism even when local ordinances prohibit it.
Polinchock discussed the bill Wednesday at Tabora Farm in Hilltown Township.
“Tabora Farm is like many small farms and orchards in the Commonwealth struggling to make ends meet,” Polinchock said. “The farmers’ situation is complicated by local ordinances against activities like pumpkin carving contests and hayrides, activities that are critical to small farms’ bottom lines. My legislation would supersede these local regulations, which can be arbitrary and designed to favor other businesses in the community. We must make sure our Pennsylvania farm families are treated fairly and can earn enough to support our agricultural needs, as well as the needs of their families.”
House Bill 2093 would prevent local governments from placing restrictions on the use of Pennsylvania farmland for agritourism, agricultural purposes, or constructing buildings for agricultural purposes.
“This bill is good for every farmer in Pennsylvania,” Patricia Torrice, Tabora Farm owner, said. “Farmers who currently participate in agritainment will feel less stress with township constraints, and those farmers who are interested in pursuing agritainment will have a much easier ‘row to hoe.’ I want to thank Todd for all of his hard work and dedication, putting his words into action and moving forward with this incredible bill to help farmers out all across our state.”
House Bill 2093 now awaits committee consideration.