MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – A tug-o-war is happening over the future of Skagit County’s agriculture industry.

The Seattle Times reports that the county’s Agricultural Advisory Board and Planning Commission is considering a move to preserve farming by restricting agritourism.

The proposal would ban weddings and other events on ag land and require special permits for activities like U-pick.

Agritourism groups say their industry attracts people to the land and educates them about farming and food production.

But some farm operators say they’re being asked to reduce farm activities like spreading fertilizer on fields because it smells bad.

Washington State University estimates that Skagit agriculture produces $300 million annually in crops, dairy and livestock.

But a 2021 survey found the county’s ag industry is becoming dominated by a few very large operations and many small farms that are focused more on agritourism.