Sierra Sun Times,
While I would never suggest that Leroy “shut up and finish (his) days” for sharing his knowledge and perspective of Mariposa life and history, I believe he has missed the mark in his article on Agritourism in The Sierra Sun Times.
Waste of Time and money?
Agriculture and rural character are two critical conditions that the Mariposa County General Plan repeatedly emphasizes as important to protect. Tourism has been recognized as the vital economic engine for Mariposa County by the Board of Supervisors, as well as Leroy. Agritourism is agriculture and tourism joined at the hip. So, how can it not be an important subject to deal with?
What is Agritourism exactly?
The term “agritourism, as it is defined most broadly, involves any agriculturally-based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch. Agritourism has different definitions in different parts of the country and world. Sometimes it refers specifically to farm stays. Agritourism is widespread in America. Across the U.S., agri tourists can choose from a wide range of activities that include picking fruits and vegetables, riding horses, tasting honey, learning about wine and cheesemaking, or shopping in farm gift shops and farm stands for local and regional produce or hand-crafted gifts. Agritourism is increasingly recognized as a means of enterprise diversification for agricultural producers, especially for its ability to increase cash flows to farm and ranch operations and in addition to their surrounding communities. According to the 2007 U.S. Agriculture census, 23,350 farms received income from agritourism. Their agritourism income amounted to over $566 million, which was more than double the amount reported in the 2002 census.
Why in Mariposa County?
Agritourism was introduced in the 2006 revision of the Mariposa County General Plan, Chapter 17.40.010*, as a permitted use in Agriculture Exclusive zoning. However, the definition or description of Agritourism by Mariposa County General Plan is very broad at best, with no supporting ordinances.The lack of clearly defined uses and standards has impeded development of a potentially important industry for Mariposa County. Thereby is the need to address the subject in detail. Agritourism is an activity that offers economic opportunity to supplement income for commercial farm and ranch operators, whose primary agricultural income is often in cycles. It was addressed in the Mariposa County General Plan in relationship with Agricultural Exclusive Zone land only. Some restriction on agritourism activities on AEZ land is needed to prevent the perversion of AEZ land to noncompatible uses and potential conflicts with agricultural uses; i.e. disneyfarm U.S.A., Casa de Farma, Blazing Buckeroos and other commercial sporting events/venues. There is potential opportunity for commercial venues with agri themes, that are not primarily agricultural product producers, to develop their operation on non AEZ land, if permitted under zoning with Special Assemblage Permit or Conditional Use Permit. There is no restriction proposed by the current Agritourism Amendments being considered by the Planning Commission that would impact hobby farms, roadside selling (direct marketing, controlled by California State law), home enterprise activities or collaborative selling of produce from Mariposa County, other than those controls that already exist under County Ordinances or State Law. The statement by Leroy that “50% of Mariposa County would be placed of limits to any serious activity other than livestock…with little or no local sale of products” by the proposed Amendments is simply incorrect. The economic success of Agritourism in Mariposa County will be influenced by what Mariposa does in terms of supporting infrastructure, such as roads, publicity and protecting rural character to support this industry. Yes, Leroy, we have opportunities galore if we just come together, and this is one of them!
Gary Francisco District 1 Planning Commissioner
*MC 17.10.010 Agritourism use: “Agritourism” means visitor-oriented destinations and experiences which are centered on agricultural production. The act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural, or agribusiness operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education, or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation. (Ord. 1027 Sec.1, 2006.)