Land is a fixed resource, and while we cannot create more, it is possible to use available land and infrastructure more efficiently. Connecticut farmers, especially those in urban and peri urban locations, consistently cite land access as one of their biggest challenges.<\/p>\n
A UConn Extension<\/a> team is expanding urban agriculture in Connecticut through a new project focusing on vacant lot activation and peri-urban farmland access linking, led by Jacqueline Kowalski, an associate extension educator based in UConn Extension\u2019s Bethel office.<\/p>\n Connecticut has five cities \u2013 Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury \u2013 with over one hundred thousand residents, and 88% of the state\u2019s population lives in urban areas. Meanwhile, the number of urban agricultural operations is also increasing, and there is more interest in beginning new operations. Urban agriculture\u2019s growth is driven by increasing food security through local production, and a greater interest among more people in connecting with the land and growing their own food.<\/p>\n \u201cSecure land access is one of the greatest challenges that urban producers grapple with in Connecticut,\u201d Kowalski says. \u201cIt is our hope that through this project, municipalities will see urban agriculture as integral to resilient communities and that urban producers can access underutilized space to start and expand their operations.\u201d<\/p>\n Kowalski currently works with urban farmers throughout the state to improve their operations, provide resources, expand agricultural involvement, and increase the number of urban agriculture operations statewide. Urban agriculture benefits include improving food security, contributing to sustainable landscapes, and aiding economic development.<\/p>\n The new project builds upon UConn Extension\u2019s current urban agriculture resources and will conduct a needs assessment with urban farmers on their land needs and the characteristics of vacant lots in urban and peri-urban areas to make them usable.<\/p>\n The group is partnering with local organizations and has a 13-member advisory team working with them. Next, the research results will help the group identify potential land using geospatial analysis, including state and public land parcels. Municipalities and land trust organizations are providing input on these parcels, currently focusing on urban areas in western and southwestern Connecticut.<\/p>\n Existing resources and training available through UConn Extension\u2019s urban agriculture programs include site selection and modification and then working with cities and navigating zoning requirements. Programs provide education on intensive vegetable and flower production, season extension, business management, and product marketing. Complementary resources are available through UConn Extension\u2019s food safety program and Center for Land Use Education and Research (UConn CLEAR).<\/p>\n The project\u2019s final phase is connecting urban farmers with the identified land and ensuring agricultural-friendly leases. The team\u2019s goal is expanding or starting 20 urban farming operations. Partner organizations include the Councils of Governments (COGs), land trusts, and Land For Good, a nonprofit focused on the future of farming in New England. Team members will use existing resources, including CT Farm Link, a site managed by Connecticut Department of Agriculture, to assist farmers and land use officials.<\/p>\n “UConn Extension has over a century of experience supporting and strengthening food systems in Connecticut,\u201d says Amy Harder, associate dean for UConn Extension. \u201cWe are excited to continue that commitment by helping farmers find success in urban areas, creating more opportunities for all families to have access to Connecticut Grown foods and products.\u201d<\/p>\n Connecticut has a heightened awareness about urban agriculture and land access because of the Northeast region\u2019s population density. UConn Extension\u2019s urban agriculture program, including this initiative, is building infrastructure for a more resilient and vibrant agricultural and food system. The broader impacts include helping other regions develop stronger urban agriculture programs through improved land access.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This work is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number <\/em>2024-70019-42200.<\/em><\/p>\n This work relates to CAHNR\u2019s Strategic Vision area focused on\u00a0<\/em>Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n