VA Farmer Rights Bill Would Rein-In Abusive Local Governments

Officials have been targeting farmstands and other business operations

Delegate Scott Lingamfelter has introduced a bill that puts teeth into Virginia's long-standing Right to Farm Act.

The "Martha Boneta Bill" would curb local government's authority to penalize farmers who sell farm-related items on their own property.

Though state law permits farmers to market produce on-site, Fauquier County officials last year slapped farm operator Martha Boneta with a series of $5,000 fines for selling fruit, vegetables and handicrafts.