Prineville, OR — Representative Vikki Breese (R-Prineville) released the following statement. This comes after the Governor paused a rulemaking that was initiated by the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD).
I am a strong supporter of agritourism and farm stand businesses. These farmers are staples in their communities, beloved by visitors, and are some of the best Oregon has to offer.
I introduced HB 3133 to support these local businesses. If the bill had passed the legislative process, it would have protected and promoted agritourism across the state. HB 3133 was widely supported by the agritourism community.
I appreciate the Governor for intervening to stop the disastrous draft rules produced by DLCD. Those rules ignored the intent of the bill and input from key stakeholders. It is because rural and urban Oregonians united to passionately defend our farmers that these rules were halted.
We can’t allow groups like 1,000 Friends to utilize land use laws, regulations, and permits to pick which farmers win and which farmers lose. That is not what Oregonians want.
This disaster has made clear the need for the legislature to weigh in on this issue in the upcoming short session. I look forward to leading the conversation.
