Agritainment District, Key Economic Development Goal for Town of Queen Creek

Agritainment, farm-to-fork and interactive farm experiences are increasing in popularity throughout the country and the world, and several of the key businesses in our region are located in Queen Creek, the Queen Creek Olive Mill, Schnepf Farms and Sossaman Farms.

Recognizing the economic and cultural value of the agritainment movement, and aware of the benefits the agritainment industry provides to the community, supporting an expanded Agritainment District became a key economic development goal for the Town of Queen Creek.

In an effort to preserve the distinctive qualities and enhance the character of the area while planning for the use of the remaining agricultural lands, the Town recently developed and implemented the South Specific Area Plan (SSAP) and updated the zoning ordinance to include an agritainment district. The land use changes in the SSAP reflect the Town’s strategic initiatives to preserve the community’s agricultural heritage and protect destinations that provide experiences for residents and visitors.

The agritainment ordinance and SSAP were collaborative efforts between the Town and successful agritainment business owners. The Town’s ordinance provides a level of certainty that Queen Creek is committed to the development of an Agritainment District, with 242 designated acres. The ordinance, in conjunction with the SSAP, helps provide strategic growth for the area.

Agritainment has emerged as an opportunity for farm owners to diversify their agricultural operations, and provide unique experiences that capitalize on the popular farm-to-table movement. For the Town of Queen Creek, creating an Agritainment District provides a new economic growth opportunity while preserving the rural and agricultural heritage in Queen Creek.

Links to some of the recent stories surrounding agritainment are below:

 

Learn more about Queen Creek Economic Development here or by visiting InvesttheQC.com