From petting zoos to pick-your-own, farmers across New Hampshire are diversifying in new ways to stay afloat. But that’s raising tensions in some towns, where neighbors say large-scale events like weddings can be a nuisance. We look at the impact of a recent state Supreme Court ruling on the issue and how lawmakers are exploring solutions.
GUESTS:
- Lorraine Merrill, commissioner of the Department of Agriculture.
- Peter Wagner, owner of Applecrest Farm Orchard in Hampton Falls.
- Margaret Byrnes, staff attorney with the New Hampshire Municipal Association.
CALLOUTS:
- Sen. David Boutin, Republican Senator from Hooksett and sponsor of SB 345, which addresses agritourism.
- Nick Stoico, Concord Monitor reporter who's covered the issue in the town of Henniker.
Read more:
- Union Leader - Growing pains: Farmers, lawmakers grapple with how land can be used: But while many communities have welcomed such innovations, some have pushed back against what they see as the commercial nature of some of these “agritourism” activities.
