UK: Politicians OK plan to weed out barriers to urban agriculture
“The urban agriculture strategy was something innovative for London.”
By Megan Stacey
London Free Press
Nov 22, 2021
Excerpt:
Politicians on city council’s planning committee on Monday endorsed zoning changes and an addition to the London Plan to clear the way for more urban agriculture.
The goal is to encourage Londoners to grow food, including in areas such as vacant lands, rooftops or shipping containers. The proposed policy updates to cut down on red tape were cheered by the Middlesex London Food Policy Council.
“We believe the changes proposed in the report will eliminate some of the barriers currently posing obstacles to growing food in London’s urban areas,” chair Jessica Cordes wrote in a letter to council.
Urban agriculture “is an essential component of city life and the health and well-being of citizens,” she wrote.
“With increasing awareness of the impact of climate change on food production and food systems, it is becoming even more crucial for urban dwellers to be able to access local and appropriate food sources.”
