Salt Lake County's New Urban Farming Initiative

Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD) is one of several partners collaborating on Salt Lake County's new Urban Farming Initiative, instigated by Jim Bradley of the County Council. The goals of the program are many, but include: • Protecting the food supply and preserving agricultural lands to meet the nutritional needs of present and future generations • Supporting local farmers • Promoting a healthy lifestyle and improving nutrition in Salt Lake County

There are three components within Salt Lake County's Urban Farming Initiative. The first project which has already begun, will bring fresh local produce to county residents by leasing fallow county lands to local commercial farmers The farmers agree to distribute their produce through local channels, will utilize local youth during the growing season, and will contribute a portion of their crop to the local food bank.

A second project involves providing community gardens to county residents. This component will begin in the summer of 2010 by selecting two pilot sites and partnering with well-established non-profit gardening organizations. The first few months we will bring together local schools, neighborhoods, and refugee groups for volunteer recruitment and leadership training. An elementary school curriculum is being developed to tie classrooms and children to the gardening efforts. Additionally, the SLVHD Environmental Health Division recently initiated its own community garden on Earth Day, creating the opportunity for involvement with students at a nearby elementary school.

In a third partnership with Salt Lake City Public Utilities and Utah State University, a large parcel is being used for bio-fuel production, requiring coordination with many additional partners. This agronomically marginal land will someday be a wastewater treatment plant, but lay fallow for many years before becoming a dry farm endeavor for canola and safflower in 2010.

In our first year of the Urban Farming Initiative we are encountering many hurdles, learning lessons and enjoying gradual successes as we facilitate partnerships to maximize resources and talents for the benefit of public health in Salt Lake County.