Agritourism Task Force

The Jefferson County, West Virginia, Agritourism Task Force met on July 20, 2026 (the meeting metadata lists July 21). Members approved the June 22 minutes. The zoning administrator described current rules for farm markets and farmers markets, including a 1,500-square-foot limit and 25-foot setback for farm markets, zoning certificates, and exemptions for qualifying farms. Members discussed whether zoning requirements or other permitting rules may discourage agritourism, larger farm-market operations, or events. The chair asked members to submit recommendations before the next meeting for possible zoning text amendments to be presented to the Planning Commission; no amendment was adopted and no procurement or spending action was identified.

Presentations also covered battlefield tourism and land preservation, WVU Extension’s annual farm crawl and farmer education programs, and opportunities for local food distribution and marketing. The Extension agent said the 2026 farm crawl is planned for October 10 and described existing state permitting resources and local producer programs. Follow-up items included sharing presentation materials and information, and the chair said they would check whether the next meeting should be moved from August 17 to August 24. No contracts, vendor selections, bid approvals, or budget allocations were discussed.