With More N.H. Farms Getting Into Agritourism, Lawmakers And Communities Debate Pros & Cons

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.

• 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.