Urban Agriculture
Urban agriculture can improve a community’s food security, health, and local economy, as well as improving air and water quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and capturing carbon in the soil.
Urban Agriculture
Co-Chairs
Cecile Parrish
Brian Gordon
Nadia Gaona
Goal
This work group promotes the increase of agriculture within the city through policy change, education programs, and collaboration.
Improving the Urban Farm Process in San Antonio
Following our 2015 zoning code changes, individuals and institutions seeking to start urban farms have encountered a maze of regulations and costs related to other City requirements. We have worked with the Development Services Department (DSD) and others to collect those requirements in one place so we can address these challenges with our elected representatives on City Council.
This is the final Information Bulletin (IB) from DSD. As we define needed changes to the process, we welcome your input and comments on our Contact form, or in email to info@foodpolicysa.org.
Equipment and Supply Discounts
For those operating an urban farm or seeking to start one, the Food Policy Council has accumulated some incentives from partners. To get access to them, complete the application and submit it to safoodpolicycouncil@gmail.com.
SAFPC Urban Ag Program Application
Chicken Information
We worked with the City in 2017 to increase the allowed number of chickens without a permit from 3 to 8. Since then, we’ve held an annual self-guided coop tour. Here are some resources for chicken care, by our poultry expert, Kevin Ellis.
Steering Committee
Nadia Gaona: ngaona24@gmail.com
Brian Gordon: brian@swunion.org
Mitch Hagney: mitchellhagney@gmail.com
Advisors
Michelle Gorham
Leslie Provence
This talk from our TEDxSan Antonio Food Salon is by Mitch Hagney, board president, speaks to the opportunities and benefits of urban agriculture.
This map identifies locations around San Antonio that are growing food. The number of fruit trees, community gardens, restaurant gardens and urban farms shows that the city’s production is substantial. We’d like to see it grow it even larger.
If you would like to add a spot to the map, contact Mitch Hagney at mitchellhagney@gmail.com.