Navigating Environmental Health in Farm Venues

As agritourism transforms farms into bustling event spaces, local governments must balance public health compliance with preserving the rural charm that draws visitors.

As agritourism grows, farms across Maryland expand beyond traditional agricultural operations to become vibrant venues for weddings, festivals, markets, and other significant events. These transformations benefit rural communities economically and introduce new public health challenges that demand local government oversight. The unique requirements for plumbing, sanitation, food safety, and water supply in these rural, event-based settings are far more complex than those of conventional farm operations, requiring careful adaptation to meet public health codes without compromising the rustic charm that attracts visitors.

Description: As farms evolve into destinations for weddings, festivals, and other special events, local governments face new environmental health challenges. Farm venues must meet public health requirements, such as proper plumbing, sanitation, food safety, and water supply while maintaining the charm and appeal of rural settings. This session will explore the unique environmental health needs of event-based farm businesses, and the role local governments play in ensuring compliance. Learn how to balance economic growth in agritourism with safeguarding public health through effective oversight and collaboration.

Speakers:

Bob Mitchell, Environmental Health Director for Worcester County
Les Knapp, Government Relations Director, Maryland Department of the Environment
Martin Proulx, State Value-Added Agricultural Specialist, Department of Agriculture

Moderator: The Honorable Ed Rothstein, Commissioner, Carroll County

Date/Time: Thursday, December 12, 2024; 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The 2024 MACo Winter Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD from December 11-13. This year’s theme is “Anticipate, Adapt, Achieve: Thriving Through Turbulent Times.” More information can be found on MACo’s conference website.