Urban Farming
What is urban farming?
"The California Department of Food and Agriculture defines urban agriculture as the cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products in urban settings no more than 25 miles adjacent to or outside of one urbanized area, including things like in-ground small plot cultivation, raised beds, vertical production, warehouse farms, mushroom growing, urban forestry and tree care, community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities, and other innovations.
The Los Angeles Food Policy Council defines urban agriculture as a transformative practice that fosters community empowerment, environmental sustainability, and food sovereignty by cultivating local food production, increasing access to fresh and culturally relevant food, and promoting social and economic resilience in urban areas".--Alba Velasquez, Meet Two Leaders Working to Cultivate Urban Agriculture In Greater L.A., Food Equity Roundtable
University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources: a getting started hub
A thorough resource that covers business management, production, food safety, community and school gardens, laws, training, and more. Check out this getting started guide
Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone Program
The Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone (UAIZ) is a state program (AB 551) adopted by the California State Legislature in 2013. This program aims to encourage urban agriculture in urbanized areas by offering reduced property taxes in exchange for converting vacant or unimproved property to an agricultural use through a contract agreement, starting with a 5-year period. Learn more about this opportunity.
CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork Urban Agriculture Grant Program
The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Urban Agriculture Grant Program (UAGP) is a one-time only, competitive grant that will fund programs and projects that enhance the viability of urban agriculture in urban areas across the state of CA. Learn more
Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone (UAIZ)
Get Tax Breaks for Turning Vacant Property into Local Food Sources with Urban Agricultural Incentive Zones. Owners of vacant properties in the City of Los Angeles who want to use their land for urban agriculture may qualify for tax breaks of up to $15,000/year, under this City program. More
Farm Fresh LA: get your produce to local neighborhood markets
Farm Fresh LA is a program that connects urban growers to corner stores so that CalFresh shoppers can purchase affordable, locally-grown produce bundles within their community. Learn more