Support Agritourism
HB4153 has passed! Thank you all so much for your support it truly made a difference.
Photo of hayride
Update as of 1-30-26.
Thanks to your amazing voices being sent in support of Agritourism last summer; the Governor ordered a pause on the DLCD Farmstand RAC. Your help truly made the difference, and we are asking for your help once again.
The Governor’s office put the RAC on pause, but that was only a temporary relief. Our system is still broken and not giving relief and clarity to the farmers it is impacting, leaving many farmers including us in limbo. House Bill 4153 (HB4153) is the solution we have been waiting for!
What is HB 4153?
House Bill 4153 is a bipartisan bill in the 2026 Legislative Session designed to champion and protect farm stands and agritourism. It is a direct response to the public outcry to save our farms last summer. Most agritourism operations get a farmstand permit as it is one of the only applicable and affordable permits that a farmer working with the public can utilize. This farmstand permit, while initially designed to keep farmers, farm land, and the public protected. It is now greatly out of date and no longer reflects what most farmers need to be able to operate a direct to consumer business. HB4153 is the solution that we and so many farmers have been waiting for to give those of us who operate on this permit clarity, efficiency, and support to educate and sell to the public.
Previously there were restrictions on how much money we could make off of education, products from other Oregon farms, and gifts. While there are still restrictions in HB4153 they are manageable. Giving the farmer the clarity we need to offer classes and tours while also protecting farm land. Another huge positive in HB4153 is that it expressly allows events through farm stand permits. Which has always been something that some counties have fought on in the past, and what activities we can provide at these events. Now with HB4153 we will specifically be allowed to host activities our guests love: hayrides, corn mazes, classes, farm to fork dinners, and holiday events. No longer will we have to guess if we are in compliance, or worry if staffing and opinion at the county level changes. We will be able to educate the public, and continue to host our educational events! With HB4153 we can now freely use tents for shelter and use farm buildings during bad weather. In a state like Oregon it was frustrating to be told that for certain events we could not provide shelter to our guests who came out to enjoy themselves. This is a massive relief for guest comfort and strategic planning around the ever changing weather here in Oregon.
No legislation on Agritourism is not the answer. We do need rules and regulations to protect agritourism operations, their farming neighbors, the customers, the county, etc. However, we cannot continue to wait forever as some farmers throughout Oregon deal with serious pushback on our current archaic system. Farmers need HB4153, and we need it now, not in another 5 years. It is our hope that HB4153 is passed as it will truly accomplish the goals and needs of us and our farming community.
We would like to thank the Chief Sponsors of the bill who have worked hard to get this done: Representative Vikki Breese Iverson from Prineville and Senator Janeen Sollman from Hillsboro-area. Thanks to them this is an amazing bipartisan effort to support our Oregon family farms! This is truly a bipartisan house bill, and we know so many of you no matter your background rural or urban, will give us your support once again.
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What can you do to help?
Please call or email your State Representative and State Senator. Tell them you support HB 4153 because you value local farms, agritourism, and the opportunities, we provide Oregon families! You can find your representative by clicking the link (Find your representatives).
Share your personal stories of what you love about agritourism. Your favorite memory of visiting the Market, the Shortcake Stand, or the Pumpkin Patch. Tell them what you, your kids, or your grandkids have learned from Oregon farmers and how it has impacted you.
Go to this link to submit written testimony on the Oregon Legislature Website. Deadline for written testimony is February 11th at 1:00pm. You can use the example email/written testimony below to bounce off of to submit to the Legislature website. Written testimony is very important as well, if you have the time to submit it!
See a photo diagram below of how to submit written testimony.
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Testimony/HALNRW/HB/4153/0000-00-00-00-00?area=Measures
Example Email/Written Testimony
Subject: Please Protect Oregon’s Farmstands and Agritourism by Supporting HB4153
Dear [Representative] [House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water]
I’m writing as a proud Oregonian and someone whose family has made countless memories at local farm stands and agritourism events. From picking apples in Hood River to enjoying farm-to-table dinners and seasonal festivals, these experiences have become part of our family’s story— and part of what makes Oregon so special.
These farms aren’t just places to visit. They’re run by hardworking families who support local jobs, bring life to our rural communities, and help preserve Oregon’s agricultural heritage. That’s why I’m writing to you to ask you to support HB4153 this legislative session. This house bill will protect farm stands and agritourism as it provides farm permit holders with clarity, efficiency, and support to educate and sell to the public.
Farmstands and agritourism businesses deserve our support. They’re already doing the hard work of growing food, welcoming visitors, educating the public, and keeping our rural economy strong. Please stand with them and support HB4153. Let’s make sure Oregon continues to be a place where agriculture and community thrive together.
Thank you for listening and for standing up for Oregon’s farmers.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your City], Oregon
How to submit written testimony picture
Shortcake Photo
hb4153 flyer sheet page 1
hb4153 flyer sheet page 2
Want to learn more?
Check out the websites of some of our fellow agritourism operators. To hear their perspectives and their reasonings behind supporting HB4153.
Here are some articles from others with more details and different perspectives from our own.
From My Desk: Why I’m Fighting for Oregon’s Farm Stores (As a Lawyer and a Mom)
Remember When We Almost Lost Your Favorite Pumpkin Patches? Now’s the Time to Act.
Clearing Up Confusion: Cottage Foods, Farm Stands & Farm Stores