The city of Lawrence has made free new sites available for community members to use for food production during the 2016 growing season. Known as The Common Ground Program, it makes city-owned land available for license for the cultivation and sale of plants, herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables, either as for-profit or not-for-profit enterprises.
The program is intended to assist the development of urban agriculture and community gardens in Lawrence. The program’s goal is to increase local food production and access to healthy food for our citizens.
Growers and gardeners can apply for a free, three-year license to use these sites – which range in size from 0.3 – 1.5 acres. In exchange, program participants will propose a “Community Benefit Plan.” Examples of community benefits include donation of produce to local food pantries, participation in educational outreach programs, etc.
The City released the Request for Applications (RFA), and seeks applications from qualified individuals, businesses, and/or nonprofit organizations. Applications for the sites are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, February 15th. The Douglas County Food Policy Council and City staff will review the applications, and submit recommendations to the City Commission by late February.
The program site maps and Request for Applications can be found at www.lawrenceks.org.
For more information, contact Eileen Horn, sustainability coordinator at [email protected] or 785-330-3121.
