On the Political Agenda
Sustainable Urban Food Systems on the Political Agenda
Over the past year access to better, more sustainable and more local food has risen fast up the political agenda in many major cities both in the US and internationally.
- In New York City a range of politicians have been addressing the need to redevelop the City’s food system aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions and enhance food provision and security. Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn recently announced FoodWorks New York, a new effort by the City Council to produce the first ever comprehensive plan to use New York City’s food system to create jobs, improve public health and protect the environment.
- Maryland House Delegate Anne Healey introduced a bill that would enable local governments to provide a five-year property tax credits for urban agriculture on properties within the state’s priority funding areas.
- In the United Kingdom, the Mayor of London in conjunction with the London Food Board and the Food Strategy Unit are implementing the London Food Strategy, which aims to improve the health of London residents through increased choice of, and access to, quality food.
- Vancouver’s Mayor and Council unanimously adopted the Vancouver Food Charter which promotes developments that foster sustainable food production, distribution and consumption, nutrition, community development, and environmental health.
- Following Seattle City Council’s adoption of the Local Food Action Initiative, the Mayor and City Council announced 2010 to be The Year of Urban Agriculture. Attention will be given to increasing access to fresh, local food and to considering land use codes in support of urban agriculture.
- The Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council is working closely with the City of Chicago to promote the development of a nutritious, affordable, and equitable local food system for all Chicago residents.
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