An Act relative to urban farmland
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill establishes a fund to support the conversion of vacant lots in urban and suburban areas into farms, community gardens, and other agricultural enterprises. The fund will be administered by the Department of Agricultural Resources and will prioritize projects in environmental justice populations, aiming to increase food security, economic development, and climate resilience. It also outlines grant programs for municipalities, organizations, and businesses to assist with land acquisition, renovation, and startup costs, as well as pilot programs and the repurposing of foreclosed land.
Key provisions
- Creates the Vacant Lots to Urban Agriculture Fund.
- Prioritizes grant funding for projects in environmental justice populations.
- Provides grants for municipalities to develop urban farming plans.
- Offers grants for purchasing or leasing land and renovating agricultural spaces.
- Supports pilot programs for transitioning vacant lots.
- Allows for the repurposing of foreclosed city-held land.
- Requires outreach materials in multiple languages.
- Mandates an annual report detailing grant activities.
Who is affected
- Municipalities
- Urban Agriculture Organizations
- Residents of Environmental Justice Populations
- Food Insecure Residents
- Agricultural Businesses
Notable changes
- Establishes a dedicated fund for urban agriculture initiatives.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
23 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries
Cosponsors
Carmine Lawrence Gentile
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