Urban Agriculture Plan
The City of Leduc is a member of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB). The EMRB created a regional plan (the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Growth Plan) which plans for 30 years of growth for Edmonton and the surrounding areas. In 2022 the Regional Agricultural Master Plan (RAMP) was added to the growth plan to further focus on agricultural land, agricultural related development, and industry.
The RAMP identifies that the agriculture sector has the potential to increase the region’s economy by an estimated $10 billion. To support the agriculture industry and promote its diversification, urban member municipalities must complete an Urban Agriculture Plan (UAP) for their community.
The intent of the City’s UAP is to identify opportunities to support and implement urban and value-added agricultural pursuits in Leduc.
Urban agriculture refers to the practice of growing food within a city environment (community gardens, backyard hens, etc). The purpose is to enhance local food production and boost food literacy, which also helps to strengthen social connections, increase physical activity, and foster community pride.
Value-added agriculture is about the production or manufacturing processes, such as processing wheat to flour, where the good produced has enhanced value. It can also take the form of marketing or services to increase the value of the primary agriculture commodity. For example, the direct sales of products at farmer’s markets by appealing to the consumer and their willingness to pay a premium price for goods.
Project Timeline
The EMRB requires all member municipalities to have their UAPs completed by the end of 2024. The City of Leduc’s UAP is underway and will follow the timeline and process below:
Phase 1: June - August
- Information gathering and research
Phase 2: August - October
- Drafting the Urban Agriculture Plan
Phase 3: October - December 2024
- Finalizing and approving the Urban Agriculture Plan
Project Phases
Phase 1: During this phase, the City will gather the thoughts of the community, industry partners, and community partners on urban agriculture. Feedback will inspire draft ideas and recommendations for consideration in the Urban Agriculture Plan.
Give us your input on what you think urban agriculture can look like in the City of Leduc.
Complete the online survey, by Sept. 25, 2024.
Phase 2: Will involve creating a draft UAP based on research and input from the first phase.
Phase 3: Is when the draft UAP is finalized and presented to Council for approval. Once approved the plan will be sent to the EMRB, fulfilling the RAMP requirements and setting out the City’s next steps.
FAQ
What is urban agriculture?
Urban agriculture is growing or producing food within urban environments on private and public lands. It can include the cultivation, processing and distribution of agricultural products. Some common examples are backyard hens, backyard bees, community gardens, market gardening, and edible public landscaping.
Why is urban agriculture important?
Urban agriculture is important because it helps:
- improve local access to safe, quality food,
- promote self-sufficiency and resilience,
- make food more afforable,
- support pollinators,
- reduce out ecological footprint,
- support local businesses,
- improve our connection with where our food comes from.
What is value-added agriculture?
Value-added agriculture is an industry term that focuses on the production or manufacturing processes, such has processing wheat to flour, where the good produced has enhanced value. It can also take the form of marketing or services to increase the value of the primary agriculture commodity. For example, the direct sales of products at farmer’s markets by appealing to the consumer and their willingness to pay a premium price for goods.
What is an urban agriculture plan (UAP)?
An urban agriculture plan (UAP) identifies:
- opportunities for urban agricultural activities,
- how urban agriculture can benefit the community, and
- how the community and municipality undertake urban agricultural activities.
It also identifies and provides direction for how to remove barriers to urban agriculture that may exist in current documents, policies, procedures or bylaws.
Why is the City doing an urban agriculture plan?
To support the agriculture industry and promote its diversification, Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB) urban member municipalities must complete an urban agriculture plan for their community by the end of 2024. The intent of the UAP is to identify opportunities to support and implement urban and value-added agricultural pursuits in the City of Leduc.
Who can provide input into the urban agriculture plan?
Everyone within the city, residents, representatives from community social organizations, businesses, and the agriculture industry are welcome to provide input and ideas on urban agriculture during the public engagement phase.
How do I get involved in developing the urban agriculture plan?
The online survey will be posted from Sept. 4-25, 2024. For any additional questions or concerns, email planning@leduc.ca.