Could the city of Gary and other urban areas in Northwest Indiana become centers of agricultural production like those typically found in the state's rural communities?
State Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary, thinks so.
He recently won final approval for legislation directing the Indiana Department of Agriculture to evaluate the feasibility of establishing community or urban microfarm zones across the state, including potential partnerships with the Purdue University cooperative extension service, local health departments, health care providers and educational institutions.
Senate Enrolled Act 164 requires the department to report back to the General Assembly prior to Dec. 1, 2027, on whether and how community or urban microfarm zones could work in Indiana, as well as the options available for future pilot programs or technical assistance.
"As we all know, Indiana is an agricultural state through and through. And this bill allows us to take a closer look at a possible way of even more communities engaging in this identity, while at the same time improving food security and encouraging healthy eating habits throughout our great state," Spencer said.
State Sen. Jim Tomes, R-Wadesville, agreed. He said many Hoosiers believe that sweet corn and milk simply come from Walmart.
"There's a lot of people that have no idea how farming works and how crops are produced. For the folks in the cities and stuff, this is a chance for them to have a little plot of ground where they can grow their own tomato plants and potatoes maybe, vegetables, flowers and see how it works," Tomes said.
The study proposal was approved 44-4 in the Senate and by 88-3 in the House. It next goes to Gov. Mike Braun to be signed into law.
The legislation was cosponsored by, among others, state Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago; and state Reps. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point; and Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago.
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