By definition, artisan agricultural uses are small scale farms that can range from a few chickens in the backyard to a local farm producing meat, cheese, and honey, or breads for sale at your community’s farmers market. The artisan farm has grown in popularity as people become more aware of their positive impacts on the environment and community. The popularity in other markets, such as organic farming, farm-to-table, and artisan products (e.g., breads, honey, beer, and wine) has also inspired younger populations to take on small scale farming.
Stearns County’s Zoning Districts will primarily dictate the appropriate locations for these types of uses to minimize potential conflicts between adjacent land uses.
Moving forward, the County will need to consider how the Zoning Ordinance can provide flexibility to accommodate new markets. Areas for consideration include: