Philadelphia’s Urban Agricultural Plan: Public Meeting 2 Is Live Online through May 15

Posted by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation on April 6, 2021

Growing from the Root, Philadelphia’s first Urban Agriculture Plan has relaunched with the opening of the 2nd Virtual “Public Meeting” website. We are kicking off the next phase of the community engagement process that will uplift Philadelphia’s rich history of urban farming and gardening, and clearly define the resources, policies, processes, and programs necessary to sustain it for future generations. The feedback received will inform the plan for long-term and permanent urban agriculture that contributes to the equitable development of Philadelphia and provide recommendations to the City and partners on how to best coordinate and strengthen their work on agriculture.

With this virtual meeting, translated in English and Spanish, we are asking residents to comment on different policy areas that impact the viability of urban farming in Philadelphia. There are 10 ‘stations’ or opportunities for feedback. Each station focuses on a key topic identified by growers at the start of the engagement process. The virtual format offers residents the opportunity to learn about various aspects of farming in Philadelphia before asking for their input. Topics include (not limited to):

• History
• Access to land
• Resources for community gardens
• Animal keeping 
• Farming careers and business development
• Education and inter-generational learning
• Cultural practices in growing and gathering
• Food systems and policy 

Residents can expect to spend between 15 and 30 minutes engaging with each ‘station’. The virtual meeting website will run for at least six weeks, and aims to engage residents and growers across the City. Residents without computer/internet access can take part by calling (215) 645-2145 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday – Friday or by emailing GrowingFromTheRoot@gmail.com. This call and response format we’ve built into this interactive website will ensure our urban farming policy is rooted in the knowledge and needs of local growers. Please support the process by sharing with your networks!