Welcome to iGrow News, Your Source for the World of Indoor Vertical Farming
Warehouse Becoming Vertical Farms — And They’re Feeding New Jersey
New Jersey's vertical farms are transforming agriculture by helping farmers meet growing food demand. New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Doug Fisher said that while conventional farming in outdoor fields remains critical, vertical farming has its advantages because of its efficiency and resistance to pests and thus less need for chemicals
Image from: New Jersey 101.5
New Jersey's vertical farms are transforming agriculture by helping farmers meet growing food demand.
New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Doug Fisher said that while conventional farming in outdoor fields remains critical, vertical farming has its advantages because of its efficiency and resistance to pests and thus less need for chemicals.
Vertical farming is the process of growing food vertically in stacked layers indoors under artificial light and temperature, mainly in buildings. These plants receive the same nutrients and all the elements needed to grow plants for food.
Vertical farms are also versatile. Plants may be growing in containers, in old warehouses, in shipping containers, in abandoned buildings.
"That's one of the great advantages — that we can put agriculture in the midst of many landscapes that have lost their vitality," said Fisher.
ResearchandMarkets.com says the U.S. vertical farming market is projected to reach values of around $3 billion by the year 2024.
The one drawback is that its operational and labor costs make it expensive to get up and running.
Image from: AeroFarms
In the past decade, however, vertical farming has become more popular, creating significant crop yields all over the state.
AeroFarms in Newark is the world's largest indoor vertical farm. The farm converted a 75-year-old 70,000-square-foot steel mill into a vertical farming operation. AeroFarms' key products include Dream Greens, its retail brand of baby and micro-greens, available year-round in several ShopRite supermarkets.
Kula Urban Farm in Asbury Park opened in 2014. Vacant lots are transformed into urban farms and there's a hydroponic greenhouse on site. That produce is sold to local restaurants.
Beyond Organic Growers in Freehold uses no pesticides and all seeds and nutrients are organic. There's a minimum of 12,000 plants growing on 144 vertical towers. On its website, it says the greenhouse utilizes a new growing technique called aeroponics, which involves vertical towers where the plant roots hang in the air while a nutrient solution is delivered with a fine mist. It also boasts that by using this method, plants can grow with less land and water while yielding up to 30% more three times faster than traditional soil farming.
Vertical farms in New Jersey help feed local communities. Many are in urban areas and are a form of urban farming.
Fisher predicts that vertical farms will be operational in stores and supermarkets around the state.
"It's continued to expand. There's going to be many, many ways and almost any area in the state has the opportunity to have a vertical farm," Fisher said.
CALIFORNIA: Proposed Ordinance Would Promote And Protect Agriculture
UAIZ is intended to promote small-scale urban agriculture by providing a financial incentive for property owners of unimproved, underutilized, and vacant properties in census-designated urban areas to use their properties for agricultural uses
admin | on January 01, 2020
A proposed county ordinance that would implement California’s AB 551 is seen as benefiting local agriculture by recognizing its benefits, according to the San Diego County Farm Bureau.
The County of San Diego recently made the Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones (UAIZ) Draft Ordinance available for public review. That period will end January 31, 2020.
The draft ordinance can be found at: www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/pds/advance/UAIZ/UAIZ%20Draft%20Ordinance.pdf
In 2018, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to establish an Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone ordinance within the unincorporated areas of the County. It implements California Assembly Bill No. 551 (AB 551), the Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones Act (UAIZ,) authorizes counties and/or cities to establish Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones whereby the county or city and a landowner can enter into a contract for small-scale production of agricultural crops in exchange for a potential property tax benefit.
UAIZ is intended to promote small-scale urban agriculture by providing a financial incentive for property owners of unimproved, underutilized, and vacant properties in census-designated urban areas to use their properties for agricultural uses.
Hannah Gbeh, executive director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau, told The Roadrunner, “I am encouraged to see the County implementing AB 551, which intends to promote and protect agricultural uses while recognizing the public benefit of agriculture. The County’s proposed Urban Agricultural Incentive Zones Ordinance aims to promote small-scale urban agriculture by providing a financial incentive for eligible property owners. For agriculture in San Diego County, where 69% of our farms are 1 to 9 acres in size, this ordinance has the potential to significantly benefit agriculture.”
Gbeh added, “The Draft Ordinance is available for public review until January 31st and I would encourage anyone interested in urban agriculture to review and provide comments to the County. The San Diego County Farm Bureau stands ready to assist all local growers in starting or expanding agriculture operations within our County lines. We encourage all growers to be active and engaged in activities affecting the regulatory environment of agriculture and are available to assist any members experiencing issues.”
Under this ordinance, a property owner voluntarily enters into a contract with the county for a minimum of five years. While under contract, the property owner pays property taxes based on the assessed agricultural value of the property, which can offer substantial savings.
To be eligible for the program, the property must be located within an urbanized census area; be between 0.1 and 3.0 acres in size; vacant, unimproved, or have only non-residential structures; and be fully dedicated to agriculture.
Lands that are not eligible include (1) property that is currently subject to, or has been subject to within the previous three years, a Williamson Act Contract (current Government Code section 51200 et seq.); or (2) property in the unincorporated County, within the sphere of influence of a city, unless the legislative body of the city consents to inclusion of the property within the County UAIZ Establishment Area.
For more information contact: Project Contact: Timothy Vertino at timothy.vertino@sdcounty.ca.gov or call 858-495-5468
US, Massachusetts: Urban Agriculture: Keeping Worcester Fresh
What comes to mind when you think of agriculture? Do you envision sprawling tracts of land in a rural area farmed by generations of farmers? Or do you envision neighbors in a city tending a small parcel of land to produce fresh fruits and vegetables for friends and families? Why not both?
BY MARK A. BORENSTEIN • JUNE 24, 2019
What comes to mind when you think of agriculture? Do you envision sprawling tracts of land in a rural area farmed by generations of farmers? Or do you envision neighbors in a city tending a small parcel of land to produce fresh fruits and vegetables for friends and families? Why not both?
On January 30, 2019, the City of Worcester joined many other large U.S. cities when the City Council adopted urban agriculture zoning regulations aimed at promoting urban-scale farming and agricultural uses. With the input of passionate community members, the City’s Planning staff developed regulations to provide a comprehensive framework encompassing all stages of urban agriculture, from the siting of farms or gardens to the sale of products.
The zoning regulations’ greatest attribute is their flexibility. The regulations provide for both large and small operations and uses that are primary or accessory in nature.
The zoning regulations provide for three primary uses:
Community Gardens – Small-scale gardens (less than 5,000 s.f.) for the use of individuals, neighborhoods and non-profit organizations to grow produce for personal consumption.
Urban Farms – Larger agricultural operations (between 5,000 s.f. and 2 acres) intended for commercial purposes.
Farmers’ Markets – Temporary markets for local producers to sell their products.
In addition to the primary uses, the zoning regulations permit farm stands, yard gardens and on-site composting as accessory uses. Yard gardens (less than 2,500 s.f.) are required to be accessory to a residential use and primarily for personal consumption. Farm stands are permitted as accessory to urban farm and yard garden uses.
Despite the relatively permissive nature of the zoning regulations, the City included safeguards to protect neighbors and the community from being adversely impacted by these operations. For example, community gardens are permitted as of right in all zoning districts, while urban farms are generally permitted in all zoning districts except certain residential districts where the use requires a special permit from the Planning Board. The special permit requirement for urban farms provides an opportunity for the Planning Board and the City to examine the proposed urban farm use to ensure that the use remains in harmony with the surrounding neighborhood. Moreover, urban farms, community gardens and farmers’ markets are required to be operated in accordance with all food, health, soil safety, water and other applicable regulations.
While the enactment of these zoning regulations is a big step toward promoting urban agriculture in Worcester, it important to note that urban agriculture is not new to the City. Many of Worcester’s non-profit organizations, such as the Regional Environmental Council and Worcester Common Ground, have been operating community gardens for years and have experienced tremendous success within the community. By clarifying the standards for agricultural activities and farmers’ markets, the City has made it easier for urban farmers to begin operations and sell products, which will make fresh, healthy and sustainable food more accessible to residents of Worcester and the surrounding towns.
CATEGORIZED: Environmental, Policies, Zoning
TAGGED IN: community gardens, farmers markets, farming, urban agriculture, urban farms, zoning
About the Authors
New York City: Elected Officials, Urban Ag Coalition Rally for Development of Comprehensive Urban Agricultural Plan
Urban Ag Coalition Rally for Development of Comprehensive Urban Agricultural Plan
Council Member Espinal,
Brooklyn Borough President Adams,
Elected Officials,
Urban Ag Coalition Rally For
Development of a
Comprehensive Urban Agricultural Plan
WHO: Council Member Rafael Espinal, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Urban Farmers, Community Gardeners
WHEN: Tuesday, June 11th, 10:30am
WHERE: Jacob Wrey Mould Fountain in City Hall Park, New York, NY 10007
WHAT: Elected officials, supporters of urban agriculture, environmental allies, along with leaders of the City's community gardens will rally in City Hall Park for the development of a comprehensive urban agriculture plan prior to the City Council Hearing on the legislation.
In lifting restrictions and clearing up land use policy, the plan will promote the expansion of large-scale urban agriculture, making it easier for the City to protect New Yorkers' health and the environment while bolstering the economy. Advocates have long argued that the expansion of green spaces and access to local food is necessary in closing the 'freshness gap’ in the under-served communities of the city.
Belgium Takes First Step Towards Legalization of Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation
Is Belgium next in line to legalise the cultivation of medicinal cannabis? The first step has been taken. On February 26, 2019, the parliamentary committee of health approved a bill for the establishment of a government controlled cannabis agency. This agency is to regulate cultivation and trade in medicinal cannabis.
Currently, the cultivation of cannabis in Belgium is not permitted, even for medical or scientific purposes. The government agency which is to be created, is to control all cultivation and trade of medicinal cannabis.
Government control
The Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) announced that, after establishment, the cannabis agency will launch a public tender for the cultivation of medicinal cannabis. Certain growers will be licensed to grow a set amount of cannabis at designated locations. Afterwards the cannabis agency will purchase and distribute the entire production, having a monopoly on the complete trade. The cannabis agency will be part of the FAMHP.
Growing market
"The approval of this bill is an important first step in the right direction. Soon licensed players will be able to grow cannabis in a legal way," says Anton Buntinx of Corbus Advocaten. The Belgian law firm specializes in the growing market for the cultivation and distribution of cannabis intended for medicinal and scientific purposes.
"With the establishment of this cannabis agency, Belgium is following other countries that are already active on the market for the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal use. Belgium jumps on the bandwagon of the ever-growing market for legal cannabis cultivation for medical use." He continues: "The FAMHP can thus organize the cultivation of cannabis in Belgium, without liberalising the market."
In recent years, more and more countries have been legalizing the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal use. In the Belgian horticulture sector too, steps have now been taken to be able to play along in this area. In Kinrooi (Limburg) there is already an ambitious player ready to set up a nursery and research center. The intention is that they will develop and produce new types of cannabis for medicinal use on a large scale.
For more information:
Anton Buntinx
Corbus Advocaten
anton.buntinx@corbus.be
www.corbus.be
Publication date : 2/27/2019
© HortiDaily.com
Legalized Marijuana in New York State: The Green Gold Rush
Andrew Cuomo unveils a plan for legalizing recreational marijuana in New York State.
It’s a moment cannabis advocates have been waiting for. On Tuesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo officially unveiled a plan for legalizing recreational marijuana in New York State, in his State of the State budget address in Albany.
The plan includes the creation of a new Office of Cannabis Management, taxes on cultivation and wholesale, a ban on sales to anyone under 21, licensing for businesses throughout the supply chain, and the ability for counties and cities to ban sales, Gannett’s Jon Campbell reports. Also in the works: a program to review and seal past marijuana-related criminal convictions.
Officials estimate that legalization will eventually bring in $300 million in tax revenue a year, but the industry will be slow to ramp up, the New York Times reports:
That number, though, would not be available until the fiscal year starting in 2023, according to Mr. Cuomo’s budget director, Robert Mujica.
The initial rollout would bring in much less revenue, projections show. Budget documents released Tuesday projected no revenue from marijuana regulation and taxation for the 2020 fiscal year, and $83 million for 2021.
A code name for marijuana written on a train in New Jersey. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Keeping Up With The Joneses
With more and more states moving toward legalization, the climate around cannabis is shifting quickly. Politicians who would have been loath to endorse recreational marijuana just a few years ago are now starting to worry that their states will lose out economically if they don’t jump on board the legalization bandwagon.
New Jersey, whose governor Phil Murphy campaigned on a promise to legalize recreational marijuana, is racing New York to pass a cannabis law. Reporter Payton Guion for NJ.com explains why New Jersey legislators are anxious to get there first:
If New Jersey were to somehow get beat to legalization by New York, the state would be leaving a lot of potential tax revenue on the table. Millions of people would likely cross the border to buy legal weed, based on estimates of New Jersey’s potential marijuana market.
But no one is likely to cross the border to buy weed in New Jersey if it’s also legal in New York.
While our neighbors New Jersey and Connecticut have yet to legalize, New York is already losing potential business–and tax dollars–to Massachusetts, where recreational cannabis has been legally available since November. Recently, Rockland/Westchester Journal News columnist David McKay Wilson, who writes about tax policy, took a road trip to Northampton, home to Massachusetts’s first legal dispensary. There, he met New Yorkers willing to stand in line for hours for the chance to purchase just an eighth of an ounce:
The New Yorkers claimed they could find marijuana on the streets of Schenectady for $150 an ounce, which would produce about 60 marijuana joints. That cost would be far less than what they would pay in the Massachusetts dispensary. Though state law allows dispensaries to sell as much as one ounce of cannabis, NETA has limited its sales to a maximum of one-eighth of an ounce because its supply of Massachusetts-grown marijuana is limited.
The one-eighth ounce was on sale for $50–equivalent to $400 an ounce. But they wanted to buy the legal cannabis, with its potency tested and certified.
“It better be good stuff for this wait,” [Johnny] Deitz said. “It will be a joy to finally smoke it legally.”
Cannabis isn’t the first vice New York State has seized on as a potential boost to the local economy. In recent years, the state has rewritten the laws on locally made beer, hard cider, and spirits to be friendlier to small brewers and distillers. The result has been a renaissance of small-scale craft beer and spirits in the state.
In an interview with Leafly, Melissa Moore of the Drug Policy Alliance, a pro-cannabis-legalization advocacy group, likens the recent push to legalize cannabis to the craft brewing and distilling movement:
“I think it’s encouraging to look at what the governor has done in terms of encouraging the craft beer and wine industry in New York State, and trying to put forth provisions that help smaller businesses in that arena be able to actually get a foothold to be competitive and grow and thrive,” Moore said. “And I think that’s something that we would certainly encourage him to look for in marijuana legalization as well.”
The chamber of the New York State Assembly, soon to be tasked with hammering out the fine print on marijuana legislation. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Bumps in the Road?
Even with a cannabis-friendly Democratic majority in both the Senate and Assembly, and the endorsement of the governor, legalized recreational marijuana won’t happen overnight. There are still many details to be ironed out. The AP’s David Klepper reports:
Taxes and regulations must be approved. Rules for licensing retailers must be written. A new government entity may have to be created. Local governments will have to be brought in. Even after a bill passes, it could take a year or more for any pot shops to open, based on what’s happened in other states and New York’s own experience with medical marijuana.
One of the biggest worries for lawmakers is how to deal with marijuana-impaired drivers. There’s no clear consensus on what level of THC in the blood constitutes impairment, and unlike alcohol, marijuana can leave trace substances in a person’s blood for days or weeks, long after the initial high has faded. States are enacting a broad range of different laws and “playing catch-up” with science on the issue, Kaiser Health News reports.
Among the states that have legalized recreational marijuana, there is a range of approaches, from relatively permissive California to highly regulated Colorado. So far, New York has opted to keep the marijuana industry on a tight leash: After the state legalized medical marijuana in 2014, only five licenses were awarded in an intensely competitive process. In 2017, five more companies were awarded licenses.
One of those first five license-winners has deep roots here in the Hudson Valley: Etain, a company with dispensaries in Kingston, Syracuse, Yonkers and New York City, and the state’s only women-owned cannabis business. Founder Amy Peckham, who owns and operates the business with her daughters Hillary and Keeley Peckham, is a Katonah resident whose family operates a large construction business called Peckham Industries.
Getting into business in New York State isn’t easy. Just to apply for one of the state’s five coveted licenses cost the Peckhams about $750,000,The Cutreported in a 2015 feature story.
The first few years of legal medical marijuana have been tough on New York’s pioneering cannabis businesses, with few physicians to prescribe and daunting restrictions on every aspect of the business, but Etain’s founders hope to make good on their investment. Recently,The Street cited Etain as one of the top five businesses that stand to profit most from legalized recreational marijuana in New York State.
New York's Plan For Legal Marijuana Expected Early Next Year
Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to put forward a proposal for setting up a legal pot program in early 2019.
By Noah Manskar, Patch Staff | Dec 11, 2018 4:54 pm ET | Updated Dec 11, 2018 4:56 pm ET
NEW YORK — New York lawmakers won't have to wait much longer to spark a blunt debate over legalizing marijuana. Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to proffer a proposal for setting up a recreational pot program in the state early next year, his office said Tuesday.
Cuomo, a Democrat, commissioned a state Department of Health study early this year that found legalizing the drug for adult recreational use would do more good than harm. The governor in August commissioned a working group to draft legislation to that end and held a series of public listening sessions on the issue.
"Now that the listening sessions have concluded, the working group has begun accessing and reviewing the feedback we received and we expect to introduce a formal comprehensive proposal early in the 2019 legislative session," Cuomo spokesman Tyrone Stevens said in a statement.
The governor's office has previously indicated that a proposal would come in the upcoming legislative session. Unveiling it earlier in the year would give the state Assembly and Senate a chance to consider it before final negotiations over the next state budget, which must be approved by April 1.
Cuomo will likely present his next executive budget proposal in January. It's uncertain whether the marijuana plan will be part of the budget or a separate bill on its own, a Cuomo aide said.
"As we have said since August, the goal of this administration is to create a model program for regulated adult-use cannabis — and the best way to do that is to ensure our final proposal captures the views of everyday New Yorkers," Stevens said.
Officials estimate legal marijuana could become a $3.1 billion business in New York and generate more than $677 million in tax revenue in the first year. At least one politician wants to use some of the money to fund the struggling Metropolitan Transportation Authority, but others argue it should be used to tackle the racial injustices wrought by drug enforcement.
New York would join other northeastern U.S. states in legalizing cannabis. Marijuana sales started in Massachusetts last month and recreational pot use became legal in Vermont in July, according to news reports. Legalization legislation also reportedly got through committee votes in New Jersey's state legislature in November.
BREAKING NEWS: It's Time To Make Weed Legal In NY 'Once And For All,' Cuomo Says
The governor said he wants to legalize recreational pot early in his third term, but offered no details on how to do it.
By Noah Manskar, Patch Staff | Dec 17, 2018
NEW YORK — Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday named legalizing recreational marijuana among his priorities for the first 100 days of his next term, but offered no details on how to do it. The Democratic governor fully embraced legalization as a key to ending racial inequities in the criminal justice system during a wide-ranging speech in Midtown outlining an ambitious policy agenda.
"We have had two criminal justice systems: One for the wealthy and well off, and one for everyone else. And that's going to end," Cuomo said.
"We must also end the needless and unjust criminal convictions and the debilitating criminal stigma," he added. "And let's legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana once and for all."
The speech cemented a significant shift in Cuomo's position on legalizing recreational pot, a step nine other states have taken despite the drug's illegality under federal law.
The governor was opposed to legalization as recently as last year, reportedly calling it a "gateway drug." He did not mention marijuana in this year's State of the State speech in January. About two weeks later he announced a study of legalization, which concluded it would do more good than harm.
The governor's movement on the issue coincided with a primary challenge to his re-election from Cynthia Nixon, who embraced legalization early in her campaign.
Cuomo's speech left many open questions about what legalization could look like in New York. He did not say how exactly the drug would be regulated, how marijuana tax revenues would be used, or whether he will include a plan in his upcoming state budget.
Cuomo also did not directly say whether he wants to expunge the criminal records of New Yorkers with pot-related offenses, as his state Department of Health recommended this summer.
Legalizing pot was just one item on Cuomo's lengthy to-do list for the first few months of next year. In the same breath he repeated his support for ending the state's cash bail system, in which many people charged with crimes have to pay money to be freed from jail.
The governor got behind bail reform in his January State of the State speech, but legislation to change the system has gotten stalled.
"A judge should determine the individual's risk of release rather than the individual's access to wealth," Cuomo said Monday.
Also among the governor's priorities for next year are banning corporate political contributions; passing a law to make it easier for childhood sexual abuse victims to sue their abusers; and ending vacancy decontrol, a provision under which rent-stabilized apartments fall out of regulation when their rents get high enough.
He also got behind major election reforms, including automatic voter registration, early voting and making Election Day a state holiday. Officials called for some such changes after chaos unfolded at New York City polling places last month.
Much of Cuomo's agenda would not have stood a chance in Albany with Republicans still in control of the state Senate. But many proposals could become reality with Democrats in control of both houses of the Legislature come January.
"There are no more excuses, my friends," Cuomo said. "Now is the time to stand up and lead and do what you've said you were going to do all those years and make a Democratic vision a reality."
(Lead image: Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks at the New York City Bar Association on Monday. Photo from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Office/Flickr)
Marijuana Is Now Legal In Michigan – What You Need To Know
Retail shops aren't expected to open until sometime in 2020, but beginning Thursday, people 21 and older can buy or possess marijuana in the state
December 3, 2018
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) - On December 6, Michigan became the first state in the Midwest to legalize recreational marijuana.
Retail shops aren't expected to open until sometime in 2020, but beginning Thursday, people 21 and older can buy or possess marijuana in the state.
You can have up to 12 plants inside your home, and a total of 10 oz.
According to Barton Morris with the Cannabis Legal group, whatever you grow on those 12 plants is all yours. However, you need to keep anything over 2.5 ounces in your home locked up.
So how do you get seeds if you’re thinking about growing plants?
"Seeds are readily available. You can use the internet to do a search and find them pretty much anywhere," Grant Gamalski with Northern Lights Hydroponics and Garden Supply said.
"Instagram is becoming a great resource for getting seeds. Breeders can sell directly from them to the end user, which cuts the seed bank out of the mix and saves the consumer some money," Gamalski said.
Keep in mind attorney Barton Morris says it’s technically illegal to purchase seeds.
As for business, Grant says they’ve seen an increase with the legalization date just days away.
"We’re trying to up the consciousness of all humanity, as far as I’m concerned it’s a good thing," Gamalski said.
Remember when marijuana officially becomes legal, you can’t smoke in public places. If you're caught, you could face a fine.
Council Members Rafael Espinal, Donovan Richards, Steve Levin Launch Campaign to Green New York City Roofs
The legislators introduced a package of legislation related to requiring green roof systems, wind turbines or solar power on certain buildings.
Brooklyn - Council Members Rafael Espinal, Donovan Richards and Steve Levin today formally introduced a package of legislation aimed at expanding green roofs in New York City. The bills represent a concerted legislative effort to combat climate change and provide more sorely-needed green space in New York City.
A green roof is a roof that is partially or completely covered with plants and a growing medium on top of a waterproof membrane. Multiple studies have found that green roofs offer a variety of benefits for the environment. They reduce urban heat island effect by cooling down the surrounding atmosphere. They also mitigate stormwater runoff, which decreases water pollution. In some cases, green roofs can also be used for urban farming to provide more healthy, locally grown foods and jobs to our neighborhoods.
Building owners and homeowners would also benefit from green roofs. The added insulation they provide can cut cooling and heating bills of the building's upper floors. In addition, they provide a new amenity for residents that can increase property values.
“The time to fight climate change is now,” said NYC Council Member Rafael Espinal. “By greening every single rooftop in New York City, we will make a strong commitment to doing our part to protect the planet. In the most famous landscape in the world, New York City could turn our concrete jungle into a green oasis."
“For one of the greatest tools in the fight against climate change we need to look upwards,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “Green roofs are an incredible innovation that reduce ambient temperatures, save energy, and reduce the strain on our sewer system, thereby preventing waste from being dumped into our waterways. Solar panels will also be crucial to jumpstarting our renewable energy generation right here at home. This set of legislation demonstrates a serious commitment to protecting our environment, and I applaud Council Members Espinal and Richards for their leadership on this issue.”
“New York City must be leveraging every opportunity possible to reduce our carbon footprint and our rooftops represent prime real estate for that very goal,” said Council Member Donovan Richards. “Installing solar panels or green roofs on every roof possible would be a major boost for our environment, long term quality jobs, and even save businesses and property owners thousands of dollars in energy costs. I’d like to thank Council Members Espinal and Levin for their partnership on this package of legislation.”
Legislation sponsored by Council Member Rafael Espinal, would require that the roofs of certain buildings cover all available space with a green roof system, solar panels, small wind turbines, or a combination of all three.
Legislation also sponsored by Council Member Espinal, would require the Office of Alternative Energy to provide information about green roofs on their website.
Legislation sponsored by Council Member Donovan Richards, would require that the roofs of certain new buildings be partially covered in plants or solar panels.
Legislation sponsored by Council Member Stephen Levin, would require that the roofs of city- owned buildings be partially covered in source control measures, including green roof or blue roof systems, or a combination of both.
“As the Executive Director of the New York City Community Garden Coalition and as a member of the People's Climate March NY I applaud these initiatives. Putting green infrastructure and creating green space on buildings is another step towards making New York City a leader in climate mitigation. There is more we can do such as making community gardens permanent and creating more green open space. These three bills begin the commitment to make climate action a part of city policy and dialogue,” said Aziz Dehkan, Executive Director, New York City Community Garden Coalition.
"Stormwater Infrastructure Matters (SWIM) Coalition enthusiastically supports the installation of more green roofs across the City. Green roofs help reduce energy demand in buildings, reduce Urban Heat Island effect, purify the air, create habitat, and capture and manage the stormwater runoff that currently overloads our sewer system causing sewage overflows into our waterways," said Julie Welch, Program Manager at the Stormwater Infrastructure Matters Coalition.
"With this legislation New York City joins a growing family of cities that are using rooftops to manage stormwater, generate clean energy, reduce the urban heat island, provide green jobs and generate much needed recreational spaces," said Steven W. Peck, GRP, Founder and President of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the green roof and wall industry association which is having its annual conference, www.CitiesAlive.org, in New York from September 24-28, 2018.
“When we install a green roof, we see immediate social, economic, and environmental benefits that can truly transform a building. From the nourishing food our farm grows for its local community, to the native plants providing habitat for pollinators and people alike on the green
roofs we've built across the city, we are excited that Council Members Espinal, Levin, and
Richards are in advocating for the implementation of green roofs as a means to a more livable and resilient New York City,” said Anastasia Plakias, the founder of Brooklyn Grange, a rooftop farm located in Greenpoint.
Senate Introduces Bipartisan Farm Bill With Big Wins For Young Farmers
Senate Introduces Bipartisan Farm Bill With Big Wins For Young Farmers
NYFC praises investments in farmer training, farmland protection, and racial equity
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 8, 2018) – The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) praised the bipartisan farm bill draft released by the Senate Agriculture Committee, including increased funding for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, investments and reforms to preserve farmland for the next generation, and expansion of local and regional food programs. NYFC celebrated the inclusion of a number of key provisions from its comprehensive platform, the Young Farmer Agenda.
“Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow are listening to our nation's young farmers,” said Lindsey Lusher Shute, NYFC’s co-founder and Executive Director. “Despite a challenging budget and political climate, we’re thrilled to see program investments that will support the next generation and the inclusion of policy changes that will make programs better-suited for all farmers. We are also pleased to see additional funding for programs targeting socially disadvantaged farmers, conservation partnerships, and concrete steps to make farmers more resilient in the face of climate change.
Like every bipartisan compromise, today’s draft bill isn’t perfect. As we move forward and conduct a full analysis, NYFC looks forward to collaborating with the Committee and every Member of the Senate to make this a farm bill for the future. We thank Senators Roberts and Stabenow for putting ideology and partisanship aside and working to address the urgent needs of America's farmers and the communities they feed. In stark contrast to the House process, this is how a farm bill should be done.”
The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) is a national advocacy network of young farmers fighting for the future of agriculture. Visit NYFC on the web at www.youngfarmers.org, and on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.