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Bill

S 4754

Establishes the office of urban agriculture

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey and 5 co-sponsors

Bill S 4754 creates an Office of Urban Agriculture to support urban farmers, enhance food security, and boost local economies through resources and collaboration.

REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
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Bill Summary · S 4754

Summary of Bill S 4754: Establishes the Office of Urban Agriculture

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 4754 aims to establish an Office of Urban Agriculture within the state government. The primary goal of this office is to promote and support urban agricultural practices, thereby enhancing food security, sustainability, and economic development in urban areas. The bill recognizes the growing importance of urban agriculture in addressing food deserts, improving community health, and fostering local economies.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of the Office: The bill mandates the creation of the Office of Urban Agriculture, which will be responsible for coordinating urban agricultural initiatives across the state.
  • Funding and Resources: The office will be tasked with identifying funding opportunities and resources to support urban farmers and community gardens.
  • Technical Assistance: The office will provide technical assistance and training to urban farmers, helping them to implement best practices in sustainable agriculture.
  • Collaboration: The office will work in collaboration with local governments, non-profit organizations, and community groups to promote urban agriculture initiatives.
  • Research and Data Collection: The office will conduct research and collect data on urban agriculture trends, challenges, and opportunities to inform policy decisions.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Urban Farmers: Individuals and organizations engaged in farming within urban settings will benefit from the resources and support provided by the office.
  • Community Organizations: Non-profits and community groups focused on food security and sustainability will have a partner in the state government to enhance their initiatives.
  • Local Governments: Municipalities will have access to guidance and resources to develop urban agriculture policies and programs.
  • Residents: Urban residents, particularly those in food deserts, will benefit from increased access to fresh produce and improved community health outcomes.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • Senate Actions:
    • Passed Senate: March 18, 2025
    • Delivered to Assembly: March 18, 2025
    • Referred to Agriculture: March 18, 2025
    • Advanced to Third Reading: March 10, 2025
    • Second Report Calendar: March 5, 2025
    • First Report Calendar: March 4, 2025

Related Bills

  • S 8059: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues.
  • S 2415: Another prior-session bill related to urban agriculture.
  • A 124: A companion bill in the Assembly that aligns with the objectives of S 4754.

Conclusion

Bill S 4754 represents a significant step towards enhancing urban agriculture within the state. By establishing an Office of Urban Agriculture, the bill seeks to provide essential support and resources to urban farmers and communities, ultimately contributing to improved food security and economic development in urban areas. The bill is currently under consideration in the Assembly following its passage in the Senate.

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

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