The department is making it easier for farmers to use their land for agritourism to complement their existing businesses. This includes running activities such as farm experiences, cellar doors, cafes, retreats, roadside stalls, fruit picking and hosting small weddings.
Simplifying the planning rules will help landowners to add value to their existing agricultural operations and encourages the next generation to farm the land.
These additional income opportunities will help make farms more resilient to the economic impacts of natural disasters and other unexpected events.
The changes support sustainable tourism giving people more reasons to visit regional and rural NSW.
Agritourism businesses already lawfully operating will not be impacted by the reforms.
The proposed changes were on exhibition in early 2021 on the NSW Planning Portal. Since then, we have worked with councils and businesses to refine the reforms further.
The department is currently working with councils to determine the zones that are appropriate for the new agritourism land uses in their local areas.
The changes will commence on 1 December 2022.
This video features the unique stories of three farms and the tourism activities they intend to set up thanks to changes to agritourism planning rules.
More information
For more information about the proposed changes, you can:
- read the information sheet (PDF, 275 KB)
- read the frequently asked questions (PDF, 106 KB)
- visit the NSW Planning Portal
- contact the department via our online form.