"Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow just introduced urban farming legislation in anticipation of the 2018 Farm Bill. Will it stick?"

"Urban farming received a legitimizing nod last month when Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) introduced the Urban Agriculture Act of 2016 in hopes of getting it included in the next Farm Bill.

In a call with reporters, Stabenow described the act as an important document, “To start the conversation and create the broad support I think we will have in including urban farming as part of the next Farm Bill.”

The bill aims to create economic opportunities for urban farmers; expand U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) farm loan programs to urban farmers; support the creation of urban farm co-ops to help bring products to market (and allow those co-ops to manage loans for urban farmers); invest in urban ag research; and improve access to fresh, local foods."

Jodi Helmer reports for Civil Eats October 13, 2016. [2]