POLICY DATABASE
Policy Summary

This section supports farmers' ability to supplement farm income and accommodates local food and agritourism by allowing "agricultural marketing" enterprises as an accessory use in every zoning district and "agritourism" enterprises in the "Agricultural/Woodland Conservation District," so long as they are incidental to a principal farming operation and meet other specified requirements. It also allows for "cottage farm industries" such as butchering services and processing or packaging of dairy and food products.

Background Information

State Pennsylvania
Jurisdiction Name Southampton Township
Jurisdiction Type Town/Township,
Population Size 5,000-50,000
Food System Category Grow; Process; Distribute; Get;

Policy Details

Refers to priority populations?
No

Emergency management?
No
Health-related linkage?
No

Environmental linkage?
Yes

See references to "natural resources" and "conservation district." § 39-1400(A).

Economic linkage?
Yes

See, e.g., this language "supplement farm income and accommodate local food and agritourism." § 39-1400(A).

Has a stated intent or purpose?
Yes

"This Section's purpose and intent is to 1) allow flexible uses to supplement farm income and accommodate local food and agritourism while maintaining the rural agricultural character and promoting agriculture; 2) allow for a broad range of rural economy uses, including agriculture, agriculture support and services associated with ongoing farm activities, and other uses that can be developed and maintained in ways consistent with the rural character of the Agricultural/Woodland Conservation District; 3) recognize the tourism industry is interconnected with the rural economy by permitting agriculture-related tourism uses, outdoor recreation/natural resource uses, conference and training center uses and rural activity and special event uses; 4) recognize the importance of local food for the consumer; 5) recognize that a farm's ability for direct marketing increases the value and profitability of the farm's products; and 6) provide additional opportunities for supplemental income to the farm operation." § 39-317(a).

Includes definitions?
Yes

§ 39-1400.

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