Binghamton Urban Farms Regulations

1/16/2013 (Updated 10:58:08 PM)

While local officials are encouraging urban farming, there are also concerns that more regulation is needed.

City Councilwoman Lea Webb leads a planning commission to deal with the trend in local food production.

She says what's needed are updates to code enforcment and regulations to control such issues as odors and noises associated with urban farming.

At the same time, authorities want to encourage local food production and marketing, especially for low income families that don't have access to healthy foods in the City.

"With this particular legislation the purpose behind it is to really continue to support the health initiatives and having access to market gardens, community gardens, engaging in sustainable practices," said City Council Representative of District 7th Lea Webb.

"So you're not only creating access to healthy food you're also reducing a person's monthly food bills by allowing them to grow food themselves," said Program Coordinator with VINES.

Webb's planning committee meets at the end of the month to finalize the new regulations.