Philadelphia City Planning Commission imagines Philadelphia in 2035

Philadelphia 2035 Comprehensive Plan

Agriculture in PHILADELPHIA2035 is a viable economic driver with small, community-oriented farms. Philadelphians in all neighborhoods will have easy access to fresh food.

Agriculture Idea: Rooftop Greenhouses

An interesting idea of utilizing existing infrastructure is to create greenhouses on the rooftops of large Center City buildings. These greenhouses could incubate seedlings and grow vegetables throughout the year.

Agriculture is a community amenity

The common thread among participants’ ideas for agriculture is that it be community-based. Participants see community gardens or neighborhood-based, small-scale farms as the best way to take advantage of small parcels of vacant land and ensure that agriculture has direct connection with residents. Most participants see agriculture as a venue for community involvement and beautification.

“Each neighborhood should have an urban garden.”

Agriculture is access to fresh food

Most participants emphasize the need for all communities to have access to fresh food. In PHILADELPHIA2035, farmers markets, corner grocery stores or bodegas, and larger commercial spaces will have an abundance of fresh, healthy produce and other local foodstuffs in every neighborhood.

“Develop farmers markets throughout the city.”

Agriculture converts vacant land and brownfields

Many participants name vacant lots and former industrial land as ideal places for agricultural uses. Although many of these lots may be small in size, participants view this as an advantage since they emphasize more small-scale farming rather than commercial agricultural uses that occupy many acres. Agriculture is seen as an appropriate land use in just about every part of the city, however particularly in North, Southwest and Northeast Philadelphia.

“Have farming on suitable and available vacant land throughout the city.”

Agriculture yields various products

The types of agricultural products that participants mention in the public meetings varied widely. Some of the possible crops include mushrooms, flowers, vegetables, and fruit or orchards. There is also a call for an agricultural production center, such as packaging and distribution of locally grown food, and an agricultural education center so communities can learn the benefits and basics of locally grown food.

“Create an agricultural production center at the Northeast Airport.”

See Philadelphia City Planning Commission here.