Hicks-Hudson Introduces Urban Agriculture Legislation

Today, state Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) issued the following statement on Senate Bill 111, her recently introduced legislation to eliminate and ease barriers for farmers in urban settings and promote the advancement of urban agriculture in Ohio:

“S.B. 111 will enable and encourage urban youth to learn how to cultivate their own food,” said Hicks-Hudson. “Furthermore, it will show young farmers the relationship between producing healthy food and living a healthier lifestyle.”

The most significant part of the legislation is a re-introduction of House Bill 592 from the 134th General Assembly, which sought to create the Urban Farmer Youth pilot program and make an appropriation.

Additionally, the legislation would make two minimal changes to Ohio's building and tax regulations as they pertain to agriculture: First, the bill will offer a uniform way of regulating temporary greenhouses, such as hoop houses, by clearly defining them and extending Ohio's agricultural use exemption to include them. Second, it will clarify provisions relating to Ohio's Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) program in the Ohio Revised Code.

“This legislation is part of a national effort to restore, educate, and improve the lives of the next generation of farmers.”

For more information on Senate Bill 111, click here.