1. Collaborating with County Partners to Develop
Agri-Tourism Zoning in Harris County
*Morgan S ¹ Wolfe K ²
Morgan, S.¹, Wolfe, K.²
¹Harris County Extension Coordinator, UGA Cooperative Extension, Hamilton, GA. 31811
²Extension Marketing Specialist, Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, Athens GA. 30602
Abstract: Response:
In 2007, a group of Harris County farmers came forward with an interest in Agri-Tourism as a way to In 2007, an eleven member team consisting of the County Chamber of Commerce, the local tourism
diversify income and add value to their operations. It was discovered that Agri-Tourism activities in Harris Association, County Agents from adjoining counties, and local agricultural producers was formed to plan
County were not recognized as agricultural practices and therefore, were not allowed on land zoned as and host the West Central Georgia Agri-Tourism Conference. Diversity was indeed critical for this team
agricultural (A1). In 2008 and 2009, a collaborative effort involving the local extension office, county and their knowledge base because West Central Georgia differs from other regions of the state in
government, local tourism groups, GA Department of Economic Development, and UGA Center for Agri- elevation, soil types, industry, Agri Business interests and population. The Extension Agent partnered
Business and Economic Development resulted in educational programs focusing on Agri-Tourism being with the Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia Center for Agri-Business and Economic
developed and implemented in Harris County. As a result of these Extension programs, it became Development to assist in designing the programs. These educational programs on Agri-Tourism were
evident that farming operations and zoning ordinances needed to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of delivered in 2008 and 2009 and reached over 100 key leaders and potential Agri-Tourism participants.
both farmers and consumers. It was determined that agricultural zoning needed to be amended or
expanded to recognize Agri-Tourism as farm related activities (i.e. corn maze, pumpkin patch, hay rides,
farm tours).
Objective:
The objective of this event was to provide an educational forum for land owners to meet with County and
State Officials to identify and discuss both the benefits and challenges of Agri-Tourism in West Central
Georgia.
The objective had a dual purpose:
1.) To inform agricultural producers and land owners of the challenges faced with county zoning
issues, state and county laws regulating signage and the costs related to liability insurance.
2.) To educate county officials about the benefits of Regional Agri-Tourism and inform them
how Agri-Tourism would provide economic development, thus promoting green space Growth of Agri-Tourism in Harris County Agri-Tourism Committee Planning Meeting
conservation and farmland preservation.
Results:
As a result of these programs and educational efforts, a groundswell of support in the community was
created for restructuring the zoning laws. This prompted the county manager to request a meeting to
discuss possible solutions to problems facing landowners who wanted to incorporate Agri-Tourism events
on land that was zoned for agriculture. The county manager then proposed that a committee be formed
to work on expanding the agricultural zoning ordinance to recognize and include Agri-Tourism. The
commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with this idea. As a member of this committee, Mr.
Morgan was able to use his expertise to reach the goal of creating an effective zoning ordinance for
landowners interested in Agri-Tourism venues on their farms.. This will be the first known instance for this
type of zoning in the State of Georgia for county government. This new zoning ordinance could have an
est ated eco o c pact o 3
estimated economic impact of 1.3 million dollars. This is 6.75% of Harris County’s farm gate value.
o do a s s s 6 5% o a s Cou ty s a a ue
Programs on Agri-Tourism have been conducted in Harris County, GA
Georgia, North Carolina and Utah by County Agent
Situation:
Harris County has a diverse mix of farms and rural housing. Agricultural (A1) zoning is an important part
of the local zoning mix. A1 zoning designates a portion of the land to farming and some of its related
activities. On these farms, fertilizer costs, although fluctuating, have increased by almost 100% over the Educational school field trip on a farm Sheep shearing demonstration on a farm tour
past three years. Similarly, a reevaluation of land values has increased property taxes. Unfortunately, a
number of practices are prohibited or subject to limitations because they are not specifically drawn out in Conclusion:
the A1 zoning ordinance. Among these are tourism activities which allow the general public onto the farm
through such means as roadside stands, U-pick operations, hayrides, or educational farm tours. Agri-Tourism adds value to the farm and increases revenue by diversifying the farming operation. It also
Currently, farmers must apply for variances or special use permits to expand their business. In some promotes Economic Development, Green Space Conservation and Farm Land Preservation in areas
cases, C4 (commercial) zoning is required. These requests for “spot” commercial zoning have caused where population growth might otherwise overwhelm landowners. The educational programs offered by
quite a bit of unrest in the community. It became evident that A1 zoning needed to be expanded to UGA Cooperative Extension brought groups together with common interests and contributed to the
include Agri-Tourism related events and activities. There was a need to provide for opportunities for farms
g p pp overall success of ultimately changing the Agricultural Zoning Ordinance to be more tolerant of Agri-
Agri
to evolve and enhance economic viability and meet the needs of the consumer. Tourism venues.
Acknowledgements:
Special thanks to the UGA Center for Agri-Business and Economic Development and the GA Department
of Economic Development for their support in programming efforts. Also, thanks to Harris County for their
foresight in developing policy that promotes economic development while promoting green space
conservation and farm land preservation through Agri-Tourism.