The District Partners with County Council and Stakeholders to Develop Legislation that Expands Urban Agriculture Opportunities in Prince George’s County
The District has been working with Doug Adams of New Brooklyn Farms, Prince George’s County Council Members, and the Prince George’s Food Equity Council on two pieces of legislation promoting the expansion of urban farming in Prince George’s County. CR-78-2019 is a resolution approving a minor amendment to the Gateway Arts District D-D-O (Development District Overlay) Zone in the 2004 Sector Plan to permit ‘Urban Farms’ as a use. Earlier urban farm legislation (CB-25-2016) permitted urban farms in several residential zones; however, it did not consider the implications of overlay zones like the Development District Overlay Zone in Mt. Ranier where New Brooklyn Farms is located. The resolution allows for urban farms in the Gateway Arts District to apply for cost-share assistance through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for high-tunnels and other soil and water conservation practices.
County Council members believe in urban farming as a means of providing economic development opportunities and healthy food. Council Member Deni Taveras, in her support of urban farms, spearheaded the development of CB-14-2019, which not only expands urban farms into more residential zones, but also into commercial and industrial zones. In addition, it allows for rooftop farming and Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA) operations such as aquaponics and hydroponics.
CB-14 is particularly exciting as 79% of Prince George’s County is now zoned for urban farming! Congratulations to Doug and our valued county partners in this effort.
The District recently spoke in support of CB-61-2019 which permits aquaponics operations to operate on abandoned golf courses. Aquaponics and other CEA businesses have the potential to attract a new segment of urban agriculture enterprises. Moreover, there are CEA innovators using a wide range of technologies waiting to bring their expertise and job training opportunities to Prince George’s County.
With soil and water conservation practices, resource sharing, and connecting urban farmers to funding and land opportunities, the District looks forward to supporting the County’s budding urban farm enterprises for many years to come.
Check out the following posts for more information!
Mount Rainier Urban Farm Helps Pass New Rules by Alison Beckwith
New legislation eases restrictions, builds awareness and expands opportunities in Prince George’s County’s Urban Farming Scene by the Prince George’s Food Equity Council