Board discusses wineries, agri-tourism

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Goodhue County planning advisory commissioners continue debating how to best address farm wineries and agricultural tourism in county ordinances.

The Planning Advisory Commission is considering zoning ordinance amendments that define ag tourism and its permitted uses.

Complaints from rural residents — the county is being sued over activity at Cannon River Winery's vineyard — have prompted the county to consider amending its ordinances.

"What we're trying to do is recognize some uses that are occurring and that have been occurring but that aren't called out in our zoning," said Mike Wozniak, county planning and zoning administrator.

PAC members and area farmers expressed concerns Monday that proposed ordinance changes may unintentionally hurt farmers with smaller operations by forcing them to pay for unnecessary permits.

"There should be a lot of things you can do on your farm that you shouldn't need a permit for," PAC member said Bernie Overby.

Read more on this story in Wednesday's print version of the Republican Eagle.

Tags: local government, goodhue county planning advisory commission, news, wineries, northland, agriculture, agribusiness