Oregon — Oregon lawmakers have approved House Bill 4153, a measure that expands what are traditionally known as farm stands into broader “farm stores,” while establishing new statewide standards governing their size, use, and operation.
The bill allows farm stores as a permitted use on land zoned for exclusive farm use (EFU), providing greater legal clarity for farmers seeking to sell products directly to the public.
Under the measure, farm stores may sell products grown on-site as well as goods from a defined local agricultural area that includes Oregon and neighboring regions. The bill also authorizes additional activities such as prepared food sales, agri-tourism events, and educational experiences tied to farm operations.
Supporters say the changes reflect how modern farms increasingly rely on direct-to-consumer sales and on-site experiences to remain financially viable.
“House Bill 4153 is a big win for Oregon agriculture. It’s extremely important for the local economies in my district and rural communities across Oregon,” said Sen. Fred Girod, R-Silverton, who carried the measure on the Senate floor.
Expanded Uses with Defined Limits
HB 4153 allows farm stores to include a range of activities beyond traditional produce stands, including farm tours, seasonal events, and on-site food preparation. At the same time, the bill places several limits intended to maintain a clear connection to agriculture.
Farm stores are capped at 10,000 square feet of enclosed space, and non-farm retail items may occupy no more than 25 percent of that space.
The bill also requires that farm stores be tied to qualifying farm operations, with acreage thresholds or minimum income requirements. Depending on the size of the property, farms must meet specified acreage in production or demonstrate at least $10,000 in gross farm income over two years.
Limits on Local Government Authority
A central component of the legislation is its restriction on how counties regulate farm stores. While local governments retain authority over issues such as traffic, parking, noise, and sanitation, they may not apply standards in a way that effectively prevents the siting or operation of a farm store.
This provision is intended to address inconsistencies in how farm stands have been regulated across Oregon, where local interpretations of land use law have sometimes limited their development.
Benefits for Farm Operations
Proponents argue the bill provides farmers with greater operational flexibility by allowing diversified revenue streams while reducing regulatory uncertainty. The inclusion of agri-tourism and prepared food sales may help farms adapt to changing market conditions and consumer demand for local experiences.
The ability to sell products from a broader regional network also supports collaboration among producers and can help stabilize supply for farm stores that may not produce a full range of goods.
“Even the very smallest farms now have a clear path to a farm stand or farm store permit, ensuring they can continue connecting with our community while staying in business,” said Sen. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, a chief sponsor of the bill.
Supporters also emphasize the role of farm-based experiences in strengthening connections between rural and urban communities.
“This is common-sense legislation that protects Oregon farmers and strengthens the connection between rural communities and urban families. It ensures more Oregonians can experience the farms, food, and traditions that are such an important part of our state,” said Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr, R-Dundee.
Ongoing Constraints and Tradeoffs
Despite expanded flexibility, the bill maintains several constraints that may affect how easily some operations can participate.
The acreage and income requirements could limit access for smaller or newer farms that do not yet meet production thresholds. Similarly, the cap on non-farm retail space may restrict diversification for operations that rely on supplemental goods to maintain profitability.
The 10,000-square-foot limit also establishes a ceiling on the physical scale of farm stores, which could affect long-term growth for larger or more commercially successful operations.
Farm stores that include food preparation must also comply with existing state health regulations, adding another layer of oversight for certain activities.
Balancing Agriculture and Commerce
HB 4153 represents a policy shift toward formally recognizing the expanding role of farm-based retail and tourism in Oregon’s agricultural economy, while maintaining guardrails intended to preserve farmland for agricultural use.
By defining allowable activities and setting uniform standards, the bill seeks to reduce ambiguity in land use law while providing farmers with additional tools to operate and grow their businesses.
The measure passed both chambers of the Legislature in early March and now awaits final action from the governor.
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