"Will This New Bill Level the Playing Field for Urban Farms?"

"Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow just introduced urban farming legislation in anticipation of the 2018 Farm Bill. Will it stick?"

"Urban farming received a legitimizing nod last month when Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) introduced the Urban Agriculture Act of 2016 in hopes of getting it included in the next Farm Bill.

In a call with reporters, Stabenow described the act as an important document, “To start the conversation and create the broad support I think we will have in including urban farming as part of the next Farm Bill.”

The bill aims to create economic opportunities for urban farmers; expand U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) farm loan programs to urban farmers; support the creation of urban farm co-ops to help bring products to market (and allow those co-ops to manage loans for urban farmers); invest in urban ag research; and improve access to fresh, local foods."

Jodi Helmer reports for Civil Eats October 13, 2016.