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COLLABORATING WITH COUNTY PARTNERS TO DEVELOP AGRI-TOURISM ZONING IN HARRIS COUNTY

Extension Education

Steve Morgan
County Extension Coordinator
University of Georgia
Hamilton

Abstract

\r\n    Harris County Georgia is home to a very diverse group of 30,000 residents.  Because of this diverse mix of farming and residential housing, agricultural zoning is an important part of the local zoning as it provides the community with balance.  However, as recent as 2007 zoning restrictions limited or prohibited some farming practices critical to the farm’s survival.  Among these are Agri-Tourism activities.  Zoning rules required farmers to apply for variances or special use permits to expand their business with new buildings or Agri-Tourism related activities.   Some even require land to be zoned C4 (commercial).  Steve Morgan, working with his Extension Leadership Team collaborated with UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development and the Georgia Department of Economic Development to conduct educational programs on Agri-Tourism to clientele in 2008 and 2009.  These programming efforts reached over 100 key leaders and potential Agri-Tourism participants.  As a result of these educational efforts, the Harris County Board of Commissioners requested that Mr. Morgan work with the county manager to create and serve on a committee that would expand the agricultural zoning ordinance to recognize and include Agri-Tourism.  A new zoning ordinance will come forth from these efforts thereby making it possible for more Agri-tourism events and activities to occur in Harris County. This new zoning ordinance could have an estimated economic impact of 1.3 million dollars.  This totals 6.75% of the farm gate value in Harris County. 

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: S. Morgan, K. Wolfe
  1. Morgan, S. Harris County Extension Coordinator, UGA Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 31811
  2. Wolfe, K. Extension Marketing Specialist, Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, Georgia, 30602