Adams, Brown Introduce Legislation to Improve Federal Support for Urban Agriculture

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 18, 2023) – Last week, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) introduced legislation to improve and expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) programs and resources for urban farmers. The Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act (H.R. 5915) expands access to federal support for urban farmers, improves service delivery for urban farmers, and increases funding for the USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.

“Urban farming has brought innumerable benefits to Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties, and to the country – from workforce development and greenspaces to nutrition security and food justice,” said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. “This bill builds on the USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production’s success based on lessons learned since its inception. It also bolsters data collection, so we may have a better understanding of how this piece of the farm sector fits into the puzzle of ending the crisis of hunger. I am proud to introduce this bill with Congresswoman Brown.”

“Cleveland has been a trailblazing city for urban farming. Supporting urban agriculture is good for our cities, including those I represent, increasing access to nutrition and farming resources. Urban agriculture is key to making food production more resilient, innovative, and diverse. I am proud to introduce this legislation with Congresswoman Adams to build on the progress USDA has made, improve key programs, and expand grant opportunities for urban farmers,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. “As Congress continues work on the Farm Bill, it is imperative that urban agriculture is strengthened.”  

“The Supporting Urban and Innovating Farming Act would put impactful grant dollars into the hands of metropolitan farmers,” said Erin Bradley, Farm and Feeding Programs Coordinator at Freshlist, a food hub based in Charlotte, NC, and a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council. “The demand for agricultural production in urban areas has skyrocketed in response to the pandemic, but urban farmers often face an uphill battle with municipalities who are not set up to accommodate agriculture. Programs like those outlined in this bill are essential for these farmers to reach business viability and we're thrilled with the work that Congresswoman Adams and Congresswoman Brown are doing on behalf of urban agriculture.”

“The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production has been essential for supporting infrastructure, technical assistance, and local planning initiatives that promote farmer networks across urban, suburban, and rural communities. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition applauds Representatives Alma Adams and Shontel Brown in their leadership to introduce the Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act, which will address the unique needs of urban, innovative, and indoor operations, increase access to program funding, and scale the office to meet the rapidly growing demand,” said Hannah Quigley, Policy Specialist, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

“The controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry applauds Representatives Alma Adams, Shontel Brown and other House champions for working to ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has the tools and resources it needs to support the future of indoor agriculture,” said Colin O’Neil, Director of Public Policy & Social Impact for Bowery and Chair of the CEA Alliance Policy Working Group. “At a time when imports of fruits and vegetables are on the rise, CEA producers are uniquely positioned to help expand the year-round production of fresh food while also build more sustainable and resilient supply chains. The Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act will help foster innovation, accelerate research and data collection, support workforce development, and ensure that USDA has the resources it needs to support CEA producers, urban and rural alike.”

The Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act is cosponsored by Reps. Barbara Lee (CA-12), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny Davis (IL-07), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jim McGovern (MA-02), and Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18). It is endorsed by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, CEA Alliance, RAFI-USA, Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, Chicago Food Policy Action Council, PASA Sustainable Agriculture, Cultivate Kansas City, Fair Food Network, Ag Noire, and Michigan Food & Farming Systems. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate this past summer.

Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves as a Senior Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as Ranking Member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.

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