‘Right-to-Farm’ Law to Be Drafted for City

In a first step toward protecting local farmers from nuisance suits by residential neighbors, the City Council agreed to begin drafting language for a “right-to-farm” ordinance.

Such an ordinance would give farmers protection against nuisance lawsuits over the smells, dust, pesticides and noise that are part of normal agricultural operations.

The ordinance was introduced Monday by Ventura Councilman Steve Bennett.

Bennett said he is following through on promises made to farmers during the successful campaign in 1995 for the Save Our Agricultural Resources city initiative, which was designed to preserve agricultural land.

After passage of the 1995 initiative, farmers asked Bennett to wait on a “right-to-farm” law until a similar ordinance was adopted by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.

That happened last month, when supervisors approved a law that applies to farming operations on all unincorporated land.

The draft language for the ordinance will come before the council for a first reading Nov. 17 and for final approval Nov. 24--the last session of the current seven-member City Council before the new members are sworn in.