For farms
Oregon’s farm stand fight, and what HB 4153 means for you
In July 2025 Oregon farmers learned that new rules could change what their farm stands were allowed to do. Within days the governor's office had more than 2,300 emails and calls, and the rules were paused. In 2026 the Legislature passed House Bill 4153 instead. Here is what happened and what it means for a farm stand today.
What happened in 2025
In early July 2025 Oregon's Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) published proposed revisions to the farm stand rules: what a stand on farmland may sell and host, from u-pick berries to corn mazes. Supporters said the changes would clarify permitting and protect farmland. Many farmers said they would add permits for ordinary activities like music, pony rides and farm tours.
Farmers took it to social media. The governor's office said it received more than 2,300 emails and calls, and on 25 July 2025 DLCD paused the rulemaking at Governor Tina Kotek's direction (OPB).
What House Bill 4153 does
The Legislature took the question up in its 2026 session. Governor Kotek held a ceremonial signing of HB 4153 on 8 April 2026 at Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island. According to KTVZ's report on the signing, the law:
- keeps existing farm stand permits in place;
- creates an optional permit for a small farm store on farmland;
- lets a farm store sell its own products and goods from other local producers;
- allows limited agritourism, such as farm tours and seasonal activities, alongside farming;
- gives counties clearer rules on access, parking, hours, noise, sanitation and safety;
- bars a farm store from operating as a residence, hotel, café or drive-thru.
KTVZ reports that it takes effect on 1 January.
Not everyone was for it
Some small-farm and land-use advocates opposed the bill. Good Stuff NW argued that tying the new farm store permit to farm size favours larger landowners, and reported that opponents counted about 70% of public testimony against it. Existing farm stand language was kept in an amendment adopted after the public hearing.
If you run a farm stand
- An existing farm stand permit stays in place under HB 4153.
- If you want to add a farm store or events, ask your county planning department which permit fits your acreage and what it requires.
- Rules on parking, hours and noise are set county by county. Ask before you build.
Being found is the other half
A farm stand reaches whoever drives past. Only Local Co. gives Oregon farm stands, farms and makers a free storefront so people looking on a Tuesday night can find your hours, see what is in season and order ahead. We build the page with you, and you review it before it goes live.
A plain-language summary of news reports on Oregon law, not legal advice. Checked against the linked sources on 25 October 2026. Your county may add requirements.