The Gloucester County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously during its meeting July 3 in the colonial courthouse to approve an amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance pertaining to agribusiness.

The amendment makes "farmers’ markets" and "farm produce stands" separate uses, and creates new definitions specific to "aquaculture."

The amendment also includes a process for permitting "seasonal sales" and "farmers’ markets" and allows them by-right in all business districts.

Finally, the ordinance change allows agribusiness/agritourism uses meeting certain criteria in the C-2 and SC-1 zoning districts by special exception.

Abingdon district supervisor JJ Orth asked if these amendments were business friendly. "I’d say they are agribusiness-friendly," said Anne Ducey-Ortiz, planning director. She added that the ordinance previously was rather restrictive to agricultural and agritourism businesses.

"We’re trying to open up things and allow more use...