Farm Bureau to Support the Development of an Urban Agriculture District in the City of Chicago
In light of Farm Bureau policy #49 Urban Agriculture, which was developed and proposed by Cook County Farm Bureau in 2021, Farm Bureau asked City of Chicago Aldermen to support ordinance 2025-0018235, the sale of city property in the Pullman neighborhood for the purpose of creating an urban agriculture district.
Policy #49 supports the inclusion of urban agriculture into land developments and encourages the use of land management tools to create urban agriculture areas. The policy also recognizes the economic value and importance of urban agriculture to the economy.
Prior to the July Chicago City Council meeting, Farm Bureau sent the following letter in support of the ordinance:
Cook County Farm Bureau®, the county’s largest general farm organization, Supports O2025-0018235, the sale of City property in the Pullman neighborhood to be repurposed as the We Sow We Grow urban agriculture district. This project would include an education farm, a production farm, a Zen garden, and an orchard near the intersection of 120th Street and Union Avenue.
NeighborSpace and the Morton Arboretum are both listed partners on this project. This project was brought forward through ChiBlockBuilder, which encourages the purchase and redevelopment of vacant city-owned land.
This project would advance the community’s knowledge of and enthusiasm for food and agriculture. Cook County Farm Bureau encourages you to support this matter as it proceeds forward.
As the county’s largest general farm organization, Cook County Farm Bureau® is dedicated to bridging the gap between farmers and urban consumers. Through education programs targeting youth and their parents and programs designed to connect farmers with potential consumers, Farm Bureau members are actively engaging in conversations about food and the shared values between farmers and consumers.