From pitchforks to peace: Virginia’s zoning conflict resolution

From pitchforks to peace: Virginia’s zoning conflict resolution
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Since at least 2012, Virginia farmers have been fighting local governments over zoning issues. Farmers want more freedom to use their land, while local officials want control. Farmers, some with pitchforks, have been calling for more farming freedom from zoning laws. Well, this session of the state legislature could prove fruitful for both parties as lawmakers consider a compromise to land use issues.

One bill is sitting in committee, revamped to achieve a compromise among the once-opposing locals.  Both the original bill from last year and the new compromise legislation, HB268, are to vindicate Martha Boneta, an organic farmer in Fauquier County Virginia, who was threatened in 2012 with thousands of dollars in fines by county zoning officials for the following: selling agricultural products, hosting a birthday party for her friend’s child and friends on private property, and advertising an on-farm pumpkin carving event.

The new bill, introduced by Delegate Bobby Orrock on January 8 and backed by both Virginia Farm Bureau and Virginia Agribusiness Council, aims to strengthen the ability of small family farms to make living, while giving Virginians more income opportunities. The bill would also allow farmers to sell other products from other nearby farms and host events without additional local permits.

This compromise legislation is the product of a state-appointed task force which brought together agriculture groups with opposing viewpoints, received public testimony, and worked together until reaching agreement.  Senator Richard Stuart filed a companion bill, SB51.

Since the 2012 incident, Boneta has worked tirelessly to build awareness of her story throughout the county, state and country. In July of 2013, when the IRS was exposed for targeting politically conservative and religious groups, Boneta was one of the many who were unexpectedly faced with an audit. She appeared on Fox News to tell about how one of her county officials knew about the federal audit before she did:

Since Boneta’s initial testimony before legislators last year about her treatment from the local zoning police, other Virginia farmers broke their silence and came forth with their own stories of how local laws were degrading their ability to make an agrarian.

Boneta states, “This is a win-win-win for farmers, consumers and the state. Farmers get the income they need, while consumers have a one-stop shop option and the state gains additional sales revenue. We are all so happy we’ve found a winning compromise.” Boneta is a self-proclaimed member of the Tea Party and a member of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund.

You can track the bill and view comments here.

Jackie Moreau

Jackie Moreau is Managing Editor of Watchdog Wire.

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