HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainable Local FoodLocal Food
In the City of Oshkosh relatively few acres are dedicated to agricultural uses. Typically
these uses are temporary prior to land being developed. Nevertheless opportunities exist
for locally grown food in the City's growth area (typically defined as the 3 mile
extraterritorial plat review area) and within the city limits on a smaller scale. Locally
grown food reduces the need for processing, storing, shipping and retailing. This
translates to reduced water and pesticide use, less packaging and shipping waste, and
decreased fuel usage and emissions. Locally grown food supports the regional economy
and provides a healthy alternative to processed food.
Objective: Promote local food production, sales and consu
Policies:
Farmland Preservation. Support the preservation of agricultural lands in the City's
extraterritorial growth area from premature conversion of prime farmland to non-
agricultural uses. Work with private land owners and developers to provide conservation
easements for long -term local food production. Explore the use of other agricultural and
green space preservation programs such as Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) and
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) as well as the use of conservation subdivisions.
Additional policies in the Comprehen
range from promoting urban infill and
sewered subdivisions.
also foster farmland preservation. These
growth to restricting large -lot non-
Community Gardens. Continue cooperativ
agencies to provide land, education and varic
the city. Continue offering temporary garden
each of the quadrants of the City to establish
- Extension and other
services for community gardens within
ice at Riverside Cemetery. Seek areas in
permanent locations.
Neighborhood Gardens. Work with residents to identify and convert vacant or non -
developable city -owned lots for neighborhood food plots and gardens. Neighborhood
gardens not only beautify and utilize unused or blighted property, but also encourage
interaction and a sense of ownership in neighborhoods. Areas most likely to have
available sites are located in the central city, especially in redevelopment districts.
Explore the use of acquired lands the Redevelopment Authority is land banking for future
redevelopment (i.e. Jefferson Street in the Near East Neighborhood) for interim
neighborhood gardens. Utilizing land- banked sites reduces the City's need to maintain
these properties.
Private and Institutional Gardens. Encourage more private food plots and gardens on
residential, business, industrial and institutional properties. Partner with UW- Extension,
Fox Valley Tech, and other local organizations to prepare a brochure related to setting up
an urban food plot within applicable city /county regulations. Work with the University to
establish a demonstration community garden to promote sustainable practices and
provide tours and educational opportunities for the community.
6/3/2010
Zoning Ordinance Revisions. Revise the Zoning Ordinance to address community
gardens as permitted or conditional land uses in all zoning districts. Ensure that the
Zoning Ordinance facilitates establishment of greenhouses in residential as well as other
districts. These climate - controlled structures allow food to be grown year- round.
Farmer's Markets. Continue to support the Oshkosh Farmer's Markets at City Hall and
Opera House Square. Work with management to expand areas for stalls. Support
establishment of neighborhood markets.
Temporary Food Stands. Continue to allow food sales from stands and trucks within
current city, county and state regulations.
Local Food at Public Events. Promote locally grown/produced goods at public events
held in Oshkosh. Offer incentives to local producers such as discounted vendor licenses
and permits. Give preferential placement to vendors selling local products. Promote use
of biodegradable food service products at all public events.
Grocery Stores. Support efforts and provide
University area grocery store, preferably one
ract a downtown or
and organic foods.
Food Education. Employ the City's sustainability web site and media services
to provide opportunities for citizens to learn about the importance of growing, preserving
and buying local and organic food.
Questions
Do you know any businesses, industries or institutions in the city with garden plots?
Can we identify other specific -v
large acreage in parks or vacant
Other policies to be included?
city lots suitable for neighborhood gardens? Any
trial land suitable for future community gardens?
6/3/2010