Urban Agriculture Incentive
Issue: Ensuring a Sustainable Future
Target Level of Office: State
Policy Origin: California State Legislature
Poilcy/Bill Number: Assembly Bill 551
Link: www.YEONetwork.org/2013policy/?i=209
YEO Co-Sponsor:
Assemblyman Luis Alejo
Summary Narrative of the Policy: The Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones Act (AB 551) would
authorize a city, county, or city and county, and a landowner to enter into a contract to enforceably
restrict the use of vacant, unimproved, or otherwise blighted lands for small-scale production
of agricultural crops and animal husbandry. Specifically, this bill promotes sustainable urban
farming as an urban enterprise.
Relevant Talking Points & Important Information:
• For communities and neighborhoods suffering from blight, persistent poverty, and food
access issues, sustainable urban agriculture is a transformative way to provide fresh
produce to urban consumers. Urban farms not only improve the health of residents living
in the neighborhood, but they also strengthen community and produce jobs.
• This law offers a financial incentive for urban farming – owners of empty lots can save
thousands of dollars a year in property taxes in exchange for allowing their land to be
used for agriculture for five years or more.
• While there are critiques surrounding the institution of urban agriculture incentive zones
in dense, geographically constrained, and pricey metropolitan areas, cities in dire need
of revitalization could benefit greatly from this tax incentive.
Policy
2014 Book
State Level
33