The Jacksonville City Council is weighing the Pathways to Urban Agriculture proposal, which would create more opportunities for market days and allow urban gardens to sell products grown by other local farmers.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After years of work, a proposal designed to expand urban agriculture in Jacksonville is advancing as local farmers and community advocates seek clearer rules for growing and selling food within the city.
The Pathways to Urban Agriculture proposal was discussed during a recent Jacksonville City Council public hearing. More than 20 speakers addressed the council, asking members to support the legislation and consider amendments they believe would benefit local growers.
First Coast News spoke with Nathan Ballentine, owner of Overalls Farm and one of the proposal’s organizers, in August. At that time, the initiative was called the Free to Garden Act and focused on updating Jacksonville’s zoning code so community and market gardens could operate legally with fewer barriers.
“When we pass this bill, it’s going to be the culmination — the current best step that we’ve been waiting for, for 50 years.”
Now formally introduced as legislation, the proposal would designate community and market gardens as permitted uses in several zoning districts. It would also establish definitions for community gardens, market gardens and urban agriculture.
Backers say the measure would give neighborhood gardens a more straightforward way to operate without navigating lengthy zoning approval procedures.
Ruth Thompson of the Murray Hill Farmers Market said the proposal could play an important role in strengthening Jacksonville’s local food network.
“It would really support and aid in our food security in our city, so please vote for that,” Thompson said.
Morgan Baird, a Jacksonville resident, also urged council members to support locally grown food and neighborhood businesses.
“By purchasing locally grown produce in these neighborhood market gardens, we’d be keeping our money locally and helping our neighbors,” Baird said.
Before the legislation moves ahead, however, supporters are seeking two significant changes.
One amendment would raise the annual limit on market days from 12 to 70. Advocates say the increase would make room for weekly markets, monthly workshops or dinners and other community gatherings.
Supporters also want market gardens to be allowed to sell agricultural products produced by other growers in Duval County — a practice commonly known as cross-selling.
Ballentine said the proposed changes would help Jacksonville’s small farming community collaborate and create more opportunities for local producers.
“Our urban farm community is small but mighty and we want to support each other,” Ballentine said.
Council members Jimmy Peluso and Raul Arias sponsored the legislation. Arias asked his colleagues to remain receptive to the requested amendments as the proposal advances through the legislative process.
“Let’s give them the chance to do business,” Arias said. “When it comes to committee in the following weeks, I urge you guys to have an open heart and open mind. Give them what they’re looking for.”
The legislation is still under review in committee. A second public hearing is expected at the Jacksonville City Council’s Nov. 24 meeting, after which the proposal will continue through the committee process.
Supporters hope the measure will remove obstacles for community gardens and small urban farms while expanding Jacksonville residents’ access to locally grown food.