OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Another new state law will help ease the tax burden on farmers who take part in agricultural tourism.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed HB 1261 into law on Tuesday, April 22 which ensures activities like weddings, pumpkin patches and hayrides won’t affect a farm’s open space designation.

That designation allows eligible farms to pay significantly less in property taxes. The bill applies to farms where agritourism is a secondary activity and uses less than 20% of the land.

State Sen. Sam Low of Lake Stevens sponsored the bill and says it will let farmers earn extra income without the fear of crippling taxes.

“This is a big win for our farmers, who work tirelessly every day to feed Washington’s families while fighting to preserve their land and livelihoods in an increasingly difficult environment,” said Low.

The newly signed law will take effect in late July.

It comes amid an ongoing push within Skagit County to curb its massive agritourism industry. A state commissioned study on the long-term viability of agritourism in Washington is expected to be released this June.