House concurs with State Rep. Maureen Bauer’s co-authored legislation creating urban agricultural zones

INDIANAPOLIS – State Representative Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend), ranking Democrat on the Indiana House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, today celebrated her co-authored legislation with State Representative Earl Harris (D-East Chicago) creating urban agriculture zones heading to the Governor’s desk. 

Urban agricultural zones allow for the designation of an urban area for purpose of cultivation, processing and distribution of food in non-traditionally farmed areas. House Bill 1283 aims to provide economic development, agricultural education, and career development by encouraging local food production while also addressing Indiana’s food desert crisis in urban cities.  

“Urban farming is a way to address some of the toughest socio-economic and environmental issues facing our communities,” Bauer said. “Agriculture has always been an integral component of Indiana’s economy, but for too long not every Hoosier has seen the benefit. Opening up the opportunity for communities across the state to participate in food production would be transformative for South Bend.

“In St. Joseph County alone 15 of every 100 residents experience food insecurity, and 1 of every 4 children live in a food insecure household. One of the wide-reaching benefits of urban agriculture zones is the increased access to healthy, locally grown foods, especially in food desert areas like South Bend. These usually vacant and unused plots of land can be repurposed into vital resources to feed and educate communities and local economies.

“As a vineyard owner who learned of the trade later in life, I am excited to see the educational and career pathways in STEM this legislation will have to offer urban cities to introduce youth to the agriculture science industry.  

“The Hoosier State has been faced with the multiple public health crises of food insecurity and a climate emergency. The passage of this legislation is a meaningful step forward in addressing these issues.”