Rabb testifies at hearing on urban agriculture bill

HARRISBURG, July 17 – The Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee held a non-voting informational meeting in Pittsburgh on Tuesday to discuss state Rep. Chris Rabb’s legislation, H.B. 920, which would establish Urban Agricultural Incentive Zones in the commonwealth.

“Urban agriculture is agriculture and needs to be treated as such. No better, no worse.

“Urban farmers deserve the same quality and range of opportunities and protections as their rural counterparts.

“Urban farmers need help with accessing capital for equipment and fencing; water, irrigation and sewage systems; soil remediation and animal control.

“The biggest takeaway from listening to urban farmers yesterday was that their individual and collective efforts enrich whole communities including local residents who don’t consume what they grow, but who still benefit from the fruits of their labor.

“I’m certain that the feedback from testifiers at this House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee hearing will substantially improve my legislation which could be voted on as early as this fall.”