Oregon Governor Halts Proposed Farm Stand Rules After Public Outcry

CANBY, Ore. — Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has paused proposed regulations on farm stands and agritourism operations following strong opposition from family farmers and their advocates, state Rep. Christine Drazan announced Friday.

Drazan, the Oregon House Republican Leader, shared the development on X, stating, “Thanks to hundreds of Oregonians who spoke out in opposition, the governor has halted the harmful rules proposed on Oregon’s farm stands and family farms.” She emphasized that farmers across the state had voiced concerns about the potential impact of the rules, which they feared would jeopardize small-scale agricultural operations.

The proposed rules, under consideration by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), aimed to clarify permitting for farm stands and agritourism activities. According to a report from KGW, the changes would have applied only to new farm stand permits or operations seeking to expand agritourism offerings, leaving existing permitted operations unaffected. However, family-owned farms like Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island and Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn expressed alarm, warning that the rules could restrict their ability to host farm-to-table dinners and seasonal festivals, key revenue sources for small

Critics argued the regulations favored large corporate farms while imposing burdens on smaller operations. The backlash prompted the DLCD to clarify that the proposals would not ban farm stands or agritourism but would limit the sale of non-farm-related items at farm stands. DLCD official Ethan Hammer dismissed claims of harm as “misinformation,” stating the agency was committed to creating workable rules while addressing the impacts of large-scale agritourism on neighboring 

Drazan, a vocal advocate for Oregon’s agricultural community, has long championed family farms. In a 2022 statement, she highlighted the struggles of farmers facing regulatory pressures, citing families like the Roths and Duycks, who relocated their operations out of state due to Oregon’s tax and regulatory environment. “Family farms that have been here for generations are making the decision to sell their operations and relocate out of state. This has to stop,” Drazan said at the time.

The halt in rulemaking follows a pattern of concern for Oregon’s agricultural sector, which has seen a decline of 2,000 farms since 2017, according to Drazan’s earlier posts on X. She has previously urged opposition to legislation like HB 2548, which she argued threatened family farms and ranches.

The governor’s decision to pause the rules has been met with relief from farmers, though the path forward remains unclear. The DLCD has indicated it will continue engaging with stakeholders to refine the proposals. For now, Oregon’s family farms have secured a reprieve, allowing them to continue operations without immediate regulatory changes.

Drazan, who recently returned to the Oregon House as minority leader for the 2025 legislative session, reiterated her commitment to supporting the state’s agricultural industry. “Farmers have made their voices heard throughout the state,” she posted on X, signaling the power of collective advocacy in shaping policy.