SAINT PAUL, MN—Tomorrow, in the House Committee on Agricultural Policy, HF 153, a bipartisan bill authored by Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Minneapolis) will be heard. This bill will provide grants to develop urban agriculture programs within metropolitan counties. The grants provided under this program will be for cities to establish urban agricultural zones with a minimum guaranteed life of 10 years. Additional grants will be made available to individual farmers and nonprofit organizations interested in farming the land. Priority will be given to grantees that demonstrate an ability to increase access to fresh and organic food for local residents.
“We’ve known for decades that there is a devastating lack of options for fresh and healthy foods in urban areas,” remarked Rep. Clark. “By guaranteeing this land will be available for ten years, we’re setting the framework for urban residents to establish farms on the land and provide much needed food for low income families. These farms are a step toward ensuring greater food security for so many urban residents who haven’t had access to fresh, affordable and healthy foods.”
Who: Rep. Karen Clark
What: Hearing on HF 153
Where: House Committee on Agriculture Finance (Room 5 State Office Building)
When: Wednesday, March 18 at 10:00 AM
Rep. Clark encourages constituents to contact her with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas. Rep. Clark can be reached by phone at 651-296-0171 or by email at rep.karen.clark@house.mn. Constituents can also visit Rep. Clark’s legislative page and sign up for email updates.