Urban Farms: A New Use for Vacant and Blighted Property

San Francisco joins a growing number of cities across the country that have created programs to encourage agriculture and gardening within city limits.  On July 17, San Francisco’s board of supervisors approved legislation that will make it easier for urban farming advocates and neighborhood organizations to install vegetable farms, chicken coops, and bee hives on vacant land and rooftops.

As part of the program, the city will create a central office dedicated to urban farming.  The office is designed to coordinate efforts among the city’s departments and provide residents, businesses, and organizations with a “one-stop shop” for urban farming information and technical assistance.  The city will also develop incentives for landowners to allow temporary urban farms on their property, particularly on vacant and blighted land.