November 2015

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Urban Agriculture

Urban agriculture is a growing practice in the United States. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, often with many different individuals and organizations partnering to make it possible. Urban agriculture can range from rooftop gardens to large-scale brownfield site or vacant lot reuses. The EPA Urban Agriculture Fact Sheet notes that there are many benefits to reusing previously vacant lots. We know there are substantial potential benefits for our communities, but many of us struggle to create the connections necessary to make urban agricultural opportunities possible. The following information explores ways to create and expand urban agriculture in your area:

How to address the challenges of urban agriculture: City officials can face serious obstacles when starting an urban agriculture program. The following list from the University of Missouri Extension gives planners a good starting point for developing these programs.
1. Reviews of ordinances: Existing city ordinances can make it difficult to establish urban agriculture.  An initial review of current restrictions will help planners identify where to begin their efforts.
2. Development of zoning specific for urban agriculture: City officials have the ability to create a zoning plan that incorporates urban agriculture into the fabric of the city.
3. Inclusion of urban agriculture in city plans: By integrating urban agriculture into the larger city planning process, there will be greater access to programs and sites for community members.
4. Community outreach and education: This is the most important element in the success of urban agriculture programs. Educating and developing partnerships with local community leaders, businesses, non-profits, and individuals will create community buy-in and program credibility.

Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate: North Carolina State University released A Community and Local Government Guide to Developing Local Food Systems in North Carolina. This guide provides excellent advice in ways to increase community involvement in urban agriculture.


County Extension Services: County extension services have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to jump start an urban agriculture program. Often community members have little experience with agriculture so developing a relationship with extension offices can help educate program participants.

Create a Food Policy Council: These councils serve as government advisory groups that make recommendations for ways that urban agriculture programs can localize food systems. This is a great way to bring together community members and government officials to identify issues and develop plans for urban agriculture.

Conduct an Assessment on Local Food Systems and Urban Agriculture: Identifying areas of need and community interest are critical in developing urban agriculture plans. These assessments will help city officials create a strategy for future growth.

Incorporate Local Food Systems into Economic Development Strategies:  Including urban agriculture in future economic strategies will create long term viability for the program. By supporting the development of food system infrastructure, increased job opportunities and support of local businesses in urban agriculture can boost the local economy. 

Bottom Line: You can get the ball rolling by building a positive climate for urban agriculture through planning, education, and program development, but it is community involvement that will create long-term success. Listen to your community’s interests and needs. Use their input as guidance for your urban agriculture programs, and pick a place to start with your stakeholders. 
Read other SSDN case studies

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SSDN Annual Meeting
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April 6-8, 2016 in Atlanta 
More information will be announced in next month's newsletter.

You have received a survey to help us inform the content of this year's meeting. If you have not already done so, please complete this survey before December 7th.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!
2016 Annual Meeting Content Survey
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Funding Announcements

The Funders' Network and USDN partner to create Partners for Places, a collaborative matching grant program that connects local government and philanthropy to invest in sustainability projects that promote a healthy environment, a strong economy and well-being for all residents. Partners for Places leverages resources an expertise that make our urban areas more prosperous, livable and vibrant.

The RFP for Round 8 will be released on December 7th and the Funders' Network will hold an informational call about this opportunity on December 17 at 1pm EST. The application deadline is January 29, 2016. Please check out the idea bank where you can read about project ideas submitted for past grants.
Partners for Places Grant Call

Announcements

from SSDN

2016 membership dues notices have been sent out and are due January 15, 2016. 

Please email Meg Jamison if you're interested in finding out more about the SSDN membership commitment or if you have a question about membership dues. 
More information about membership can be found by clicking the membership button below.
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SSDN has agreed to collect donations to fund a tree donation to the families of the Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston in honor of those lost last spring. The donation will cost $295 and the suggested minimum donation is $10, which can be made on the SSDN membership page by clicking the green text at the bottom of the page. Thanks for your contributions!
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