Submitted by Jennifer Sowerwine on
Urban agriculture provides multiple benefits beyond food, including ecosystem services, community gathering spaces, educational learning opportunities, and physical, mental and emotional health benefits for those involved. Yet many urban farms and community gardens face challenges with accessing secure land, labor and other resources that can support the economic viability and ecological sustainability of their farming operations. They also experience policy barriers such as zoning restrictions as well as marketing and distribution challenges. This project aims to assess examples of successful urban agriculture ordinances and zoning laws that support resilient urban farming and food systems, as well as models of successful marketing strategies for urban produced foods.
Tasks will include some of the following:
1. Research examples of successful urban ag ordinances/zoning laws in California: What policies exist that support and promote food systems and programming at the local and state levels? In particular, what policies enable urban farming in urban environments such as UA zoning, affordable water rights, providing exemptions for building/developing greenhouses, tool storage structures, clear pathways to have animals in urban environments, etc. What other counties in California have adopted UA zones? What was their process for doing so? Are there any recommendations for how to make it go faster?
2. Research models of market access for urban growers: How can we prepare urban farmers for procurement to companies? What models exist that support getting urban produced foods to the market - in terms of communcations, transportation, logistics, etc. Can this be a shared role that aligned organizions and farms can help enable? eg. urban ag marketing cooperatives? Existing aggregation hubs? Online tools? Evaluate models and summarize pros and cons and make recommendations.
3. Evaluate challenges urban farmers face trying to sign up for FSA/Farm Number. As part of a new Farm Service Agency urban agriculture initiative, this research would follow up with farmers who have been introduced to FSA programs to assess their experiences and identify opportunities for improving the process, such as through 1:1 technical assistance, alternative outreach modes, etc.
• Strong interest in urban agriculture and/or local food systems.
• Previous experience with research a plus, but not a requirement.
• Experience with Google Docs.
• Excellent attention to detail and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Graphic design skills desired, but not required.