Mount Rainier’s New Brooklyn Farms spearheaded an effort to change local rules that have held back urban farms.

Working with Prince George’s County Councilwoman Deni Taveras, New Brooklyn Farms’ owner Doug Adams helped pass two bills in September (CR-17-2019 and CB-14-2019) that allow urban farming in the Gateway Arts District along the Route 1 corridor and as well as other parts of the county.

While the first bill benefits New Brooklyn directly, the second bill changes definitions in county zoning laws to allow more types of urban farming in a wider range of areas throughout the county.

The rule changes would allow additional urban farming in more residential, commercial and industrial zones. It also allows new uses for rooftop farming, aquaponics and controlled environment agriculture, a type of farming in indoor structures like greenhouses that includes newer techniques like vertical farming.

Planners estimate that the zoning change would allow urban farming in as much as 79 percent of the county.

The two-year long effort was supported by the Prince George’s County Food Equity Council with feedback from other urban farmers.

“As an independent small business in a relatively unprecedented space, it’s an honor to be the impetus and advocate for legislative change that empowers future green entrepreneurs to realize environmental and economic sustainability,” Adams said.

Taveras said the changes show the county’s support of urban farming.

“Urban farming is a powerful vehicle for economic, environmental, and community empowerment that aligns with many of the County’s key goals, such as ensuring all our residents have access to fresh food,” she said.