[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    URBAN AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION ACT

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly submit the Urban 
Agriculture Production Act of 2016.
  Across America, too many urban neighborhoods are absent stores where 
community members can purchase fresh, healthy foods. More than 23 
million individuals reside in these so called ``food desert'' 
neighborhoods, where no stores are located within one mile in which 
they can buy healthy food.
  Without accessible healthy options, all that is available and 
affordable is unhealthy, processed, junk-food. The Urban Agriculture 
Production Act is a step to correct this unacceptable trend.
  I am pleased to recognize and support the growing resurgence of 
locally grown and produced product happening across our great country. 
I see it in my own community at the Sustainable Local Foods and the 
Toledo Grows Community Garden.
  Individuals, non-profits, and co-ops have stepped up to take action 
to address the challenge of access to healthy food, and developed local 
food sources and community gardens to provide fresh, affordable produce 
throughout underserved communities. Not only are they growing product 
to provide to communities, they are also engaging and encouraging 
community participation throughout the stages of growth and production.
  They are reconnecting community members to Mother Earth and how to 
farm in the process.
  As the ancient proverb says, ``give a man a fish and you feed him for 
a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.'' And so 
goes my bill, the Urban Agriculture Production Act.
  The measure will encourage economic development in underserved 
communities by furthering the mission of local farming. It provides 
programmatic funds to educate people on health and wellness, supports 
marketing and development networks, and will inspire communities to 
create self sufficient food production systems to stimulate community 
development and healthy eating options.
  Throughout our urban and suburban communities there is an abundance 
of unused land and space conveniently located to neighborhoods that is 
ripe for agriculture development. We must support and encourage the 
means to development these plots so they become local sources of 
wholesome food options.
  My bill will spur the development and expansion of community 
agriculture in nontraditional agricultural production areas across this 
great nation.
  Mr. Speaker, urban and suburban farming and food production is a 
viable solution to support healthier dietary options and improve 
overall health of communities. The Urban Agriculture Production Act is 
the appropriate means to further develop alternative, more urban 
agricultural production and to help meet all communities' food 
production needs of the future.

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