1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 4153, which would allow counties to approve farm stores as a nonfarm use on lands zoned for farm use. This legislation represents a practical update to Oregon's land use laws that would benefit both agricultural producers and rural communities. Currently, Oregon law permits farm stands on agricultural lands, but these smaller operations often cannot meet the evolving needs of modern farm businesses or consumer demand for locally sourced products. HB 4153 would give counties the authority to approve farm stores, which are larger retail operations that can showcase a wider variety of farm products and provide year-round sales opportunities. This distinction matters because farm stores can support agricultural viability in ways that traditional farm stands cannot, including offering value-added products, creating additional farm income streams, and employing more rural residents. Allowing farm stores strengthens the economic foundation of Oregon's agricultural sector. Farmers who can sell directly to consumers through farm stores retain more of their product value rather than relying solely on wholesale markets where prices are often insufficient to sustain small and mid-sized operations. This direct-to-consumer model has proven successful in other states and helps keep working farms economically viable, which is essential for preserving Oregon's agricultural lands for their intended purpose. The bill maintains appropriate local control by giving counties the decision-making authority rather than imposing a statewide mandate. This approach respects the diverse agricultural landscapes across Oregon and allows each county to determine what works best for their farming communities. Counties can establish reasonable conditions to ensure farm stores remain accessory to agricultural operations and do not undermine farmland preservation goals. I urge you to support HB 4153 as it moves through the legislative process. This bill provides a commonsense tool for sustaining Oregon's farms while respecting local land use planning authority.