Snohomish County farmers support House Bill 1261 to boost agritourism

The Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss House Bill 1261, which aims to clarify the use of agritourism in relation to the Open Spaces Tax Act. The bill, which has already passed the House unanimously, seeks to ensure that agritourism can be recognized as a secondary use of agricultural land, allowing farmers to diversify their revenue streams.

Brad Tower, representing the Christmas Tree Growers of Washington, expressed support for the bill, highlighting a resolution from the Department of Revenue that addressed constitutional concerns regarding refund provisions in the original legislation. He noted that farmers affected by previous assessor actions in Snohomish County are currently in a state of limbo but emphasized that the revised bill does not require actual refunds.

Linda Nunzick, Snohomish County's agriculture coordinator, reinforced the importance of agriculture to the local economy, which generates approximately $280 million annually. She pointed out that many farms are small, with only about 100 of the 1,400 farms in the county exceeding $100,000 in annual sales. Nunzick explained that the bill clarifies that agritourism is an acceptable secondary use of land, which is crucial for farmers adapting to urbanization and rising operational costs.

Scott Lucky, a farmer from Lake Stevens, shared his personal experience with agritourism, detailing how it has helped his family farm thrive amidst development pressures. He emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue to sustain family farms and maintain community connections to agriculture. Lucky noted that Washington State is losing two farms daily, making the bill vital for preserving agricultural land and fostering public engagement with farming.

The committee's discussions underscored the significance of House Bill 1261 in supporting Washington's agricultural community and ensuring the viability of family farms in the face of economic challenges. The bill is expected to move forward, reflecting a growing recognition of the role agritourism plays in modern agriculture.