Farm Bureau Working on Urban Agriculture Statewide Policy
Cook County Farm Bureau® is in the process of drafting and reviewing a statewide policy supporting, defining, and recognizing urban agriculture. Urban agriculture generally refers to the cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products in urban and suburban settings.
Urban farming has grown more than 30% in the U.S. in the last 30 years.
The policy draft generally supports:
- Recognizing the importance of urban agriculture and its contribution to the agricultural economy
- County Farm Bureaus working with units of government to develop zoning codes conducive to urban agriculture
- Ensuring that sites have access to affordable water
- The keeping of bees and beehives in urban settings
Farm Bureau members will review the draft and provide feedback during their April meeting.
Members interested in providing comments or feedback are encouraged to contact Bona Heinsohn at 708-354-3276 or via email at [email protected].