Local Government-Supported Urban Agriculture Adds Equity and Climate Change Benefits for the Public
Often, urban agriculture projects also include donating or selling food to the public and the production of small-scale “cottage foods” like jams or pickles.
By Alicia Bones
MRSC
May 1, 2024
Excerpt:
Urban agriculture has many benefits, ranging from increased food sovereignty and climate change resistance to lower-carbon diets for those knowledgeable about food production.
Local governments can take a range of approaches to support urban agriculture in their municipalities, including making farming and food sales more possible within city boundaries, to developing community garden projects or creating demonstration gardens that can inform residents about food production. But, as with many local projects, the most important aspect of urban agriculture development is soliciting community feedback to determine which aspects matter most.
Below are some additional resources on the topic:
American Planning Association: Urban Agriculture: Offers resources that provide background, policy guidance, and examples of comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances that address urban agriculture.
USDA: Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production Grants: Funding can be used for projects that target food access; education; business and start-up costs for new farmers; as well as development of policies related to zoning and other needs.
Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Center for Agriculture and Food Systems: Zoning for Urban Agriculture (2024): Intended for use by planners, local policy makers, food policy councils, and members of the public who want to promote urban agriculture through zoning reform.
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