The Office of Urban Agriculture works to increase food production in the District of Columbia
The District offers up to a 90% property tax abatement for individuals whose property is being actively used for agricultural production.
DC. Gov
Dept of Energy and Environment
Excerpt:
The Office of Urban Agriculture administers the following programs:
Urban Farm Tax Abatement Program
The District offers up to a 90% property tax abatement for individuals whose property is being actively used for agricultural production. The maximum annual abatement for a property is $20,000. Applications are due by April 30 for the first half of the following tax year (October 1 – March 31) and by December 31 for the second half of the tax year (April 1 – September 30).
Urban Farming Land Lease Program
In conjunction with the Department of General Services, DOEE offers select District-owned parcels for lease to private entities to facilitate agriculture production on public land in all 8 wards.
The Office of Urban Agriculture works to increase food production in the District of Columbia and support a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system. The Office is advancing the following Sustainable DC 2.0 goals and actions:
Putting 20 additional acres of land into cultivation for growing food by 2032
Developing food-producing landscaping on 5 acres of District public spaces throughout all 8 wards
Developing and supporting school gardens and garden-based food system education to engage DCPS and charter school students.
This Office is a central hub working with the DC Food Policy Council, sister agencies, the University of the District of Columbia, farmers, and community members to support urban agriculture, increase access to fresh, healthy produce, empower communities, and create green jobs.
