Albuquerque: City Council Approves Plan to Create Urban Agriculture Hub

Albuquerque Embraces Urban Agriculture with Hub Creation PlanAlbuquerque Embraces Urban Agriculture with Hub Creation Plan In a significant step towards promoting food security and sustainability, the Albuquerque City Council has unanimously approved a plan to establish an Urban Agriculture Hub. This comprehensive plan aims to transform the city into a thriving center for urban farming and education. The hub will be located on a 10-acre site in the city’s South Broadway corridor, a historically underserved area. It will serve as a hub for food production, education, and research. The plan includes the development of various facilities, such as: * Community gardens: Open to residents for growing their own food * Commercial agricultural space: For farmers and entrepreneurs to produce food for sale * Educational center: Offering workshops, classes, and demonstrations on urban agriculture * Research and innovation lab: Dedicated to exploring new agricultural technologies and practices The Urban Agriculture Hub will foster community engagement, promote healthy living, and provide economic opportunities. It will also contribute to Albuquerque’s sustainability goals by reducing transportation emissions, improving air quality, and promoting water conservation. “This hub is a game-changer for Albuquerque,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Not only will it bring fresh, healthy food to our communities, but it will also create jobs, enhance our environment, and inspire the next generation of food producers.” The plan has garnered widespread support from community organizations, businesses, and residents. The Albuquerque Food Policy Council, which spearheaded the initiative, praised the Council’s decision. “This is a monumental step forward for food justice and sustainability in Albuquerque,” said Margaret Foster, Chair of the Food Policy Council. “The hub will provide residents with access to affordable, locally-grown food while empowering them to learn about and participate in urban agriculture.” The Albuquerque Urban Agriculture Hub is expected to break ground in 2024 and become fully operational by 2026. It will serve as a model for other cities seeking to leverage urban agriculture for the benefit of their residents and the environment.