The NSW Government has made it easier for farmers to use their land for tourism activities, such as farm experiences, cellar doors and farm stays.
Here are 5 ways you can use your farm for new business ventures, if you meet requirements for exempt and complying development.
Camping
![Camping on your farm](/sites/default/files/2023-02/camping-on-your-farm_786x337.png)
You can host campers on your farm without planning or building approval if you meet certain requirements, including:
- tents are 6 m from any building, caravan, annex or campervan
- you host no more than 20 people at any one time, on no more than 21 days for each visit
- your farm is at least 15 ha.
Fast-track new buildings
![New buildings on your farm](/sites/default/files/2023-02/new-buildings-on-your-farm-small_815x404.png)
You can build a new structure to sell produce from your farm through a fast-track approval if you meet certain requirements, including:
- the building is no larger than 200 m2 and up to 7 m or 10 m in height, depending on your property size
- the building is set back from certain neighbouring agricultural uses
- there are no more than 100 visitors at any one time, excluding for fruit and produce picking.
Provide a rural experience
![Rural experiences for visitors](/sites/default/files/2023-02/visitors-rural-experience_small_800x401.png)
You can host events, such as tours, weddings, conferences and other functions. To do this, you must meet certain requirements, including:
- events (except tours, school visits and horse-riding tours) have a maximum of 50 people, and take place on no more than 52 days each year
- events take place between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm Sundays to Thursdays and public holidays, and 8 am and midnight Fridays and Saturdays
- neighbours are given at least one week’s notice before the use starts.
Run a small farm-gate business
![Small farm businesses](/sites/default/files/2023-02/small-farm-business_772x370.png)
You can use an existing building on your farm to set up a business such as a store or café, or for tastings or workshops, to highlight your land’s produce. To do this, you must meet certain requirements, including:
- use a maximum of 200 m2 of the building
- operate between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm Sundays to Fridays and public holidays, and 7 am and 5 pm on Saturdays
- host a maximum of 100 visitors at a time, excluding for fruit and produce picking.
- provide parking on your property.
Build a roadside stall
![Small roadside stalls](/sites/default/files/2023-02/roadside-stall_small_799x395.png)
You can build a roadside stall on your farm without planning or building approval if you meet certain development standards, including:
- your stall has a maximum footprint of 9 m2
- the stall is located on your property
- the stall is not adjacent to a freeway, highway or tollway
- there is room for customer parking.
If you don’t meet the requirements for exempt and complying development, talk to your local council about lodging a development application. Agritourism businesses already operating lawfully are not affected by these changes.