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HB 2725

Defining Urban Agriculture

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Clark and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 2725 defines urban agriculture in West Virginia, boosting local food access, economic growth, and conservation efforts for urban communities.

To House Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism
#agriculture
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Bill Summary · HB 2725

Summary of House Bill 2725: Defining Urban Agriculture

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 2725
  • Title: Defining Urban Agriculture
  • Status: To House Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism
  • Introduced: February 21, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Agriculture

Purpose of the Bill

House Bill 2725 aims to formally define "urban agriculture" within the West Virginia Code. The intent is to clarify the scope of agricultural practices that occur in urban and suburban areas, thereby promoting economic development, conservation practices, and access to fresh local food.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes amendments to §19-19-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, which includes the following definitions:

  1. Agriculture: Encompasses the production of food, fiber, and woodland products through various means, including cultivation, animal husbandry, and forestry practices.

  2. Agricultural Land: Defined as any land used for agricultural production with an annual value of $1,000 or more.

  3. Agricultural Operation: Refers to any facility utilized for agricultural purposes.

  4. Urban Agriculture: Specifically defined as agricultural operations or practices conducted within urban or suburban areas, including both public and private lands. The focus is on:

    • Encouraging economic development
    • Promoting better conservation practices
    • Improving access to fresh local food and agricultural products

Impact of the Bill

  • Who Would Be Affected:

    • Urban farmers and agricultural practitioners operating within municipal boundaries.
    • Local communities seeking to enhance food security and economic opportunities through urban agriculture.
    • Policymakers and organizations involved in agricultural development and urban planning.

  • Potential Benefits:

    • Establishes a clear legal framework for urban agriculture, which may facilitate funding and support for urban farming initiatives.
    • Encourages local governments to integrate urban agriculture into their economic and environmental planning efforts.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 21, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Committee on Government Organization.
  • February 24, 2025: Bill moved to the House Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Conclusion

House Bill 2725 seeks to enhance the understanding and implementation of urban agriculture in West Virginia. By defining urban agriculture within the state code, the bill aims to foster economic growth, improve conservation efforts, and increase access to local food sources, ultimately benefiting urban communities across the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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