Obstacles in the Agritourism Regulatory Process: Perspectives of Operators & Officials in Ten California Counties

	Speakers:
	Ellie Rilla Co Directors Advisor, Marin and Plumas-Sierra Cos. University of California Cooperative Extension		Holly George Co Directors Advisor, Marin and Plumas-Sierra Cos. University of California Cooperative Extension
	Description: In California, opportunities for agritourism abound. There is a diversity of agricultural operations, natural landscapes, and interests plus a growing population all of which provide prospects to landowners with interest, vision, skills, and commitment. But entry in agritourism is complicated by limited landowner experience, a short supply of information, and a complex regulatory system (Black & Nickerson 1997). The authors will share the results of recently published research in this area conducted in California in 2001. In this study, we examined local regulatory obstacles facing California farmers and ranchers interested in agritourism operations. What regulatory roadblocks impede the development of agritourism enterprises and why? What new or revised policies, if any, are being adopted by counties to facilitate the development of agritourism enterprises in their counties? What changes to the regulatory system are desired by agritourism operators? What discrepancies exist between county officials' knowledge about the agritourism permitting process, requirements, and costs and on-the-ground experiences of agritourism operators? Judging from the comments of the of operators interviewed in 10 counties, the regulatory obstacles facing California farmers and ranchers interested in establishing an agritourism tourism operation revolve around the permitting system, regulations, and expense. In this PowerPoint presentation, we examine local regulatory obstacles facing California farmers and ranchers interested in agritourism operations, share perspectives from officials and operators involved in this area, and make recommendations based upon interviews by both officials and operators, of what components an ideal county regulatory process might have. In closing, the authors will share an update on recent changes and improvements initiated in several of the counties interviewed.