Urban Agriculture
Urban Agriculture Division – Established in 2023, this division connects urban farmers with city resources and shapes policy on land access, urban farming, food systems, water, and sustainability, supporting a closed-loop, locally grown food network.
Detroit’s commitment to urban agriculture fosters food security, sustainable practices, and community empowerment. Below are key initiatives to support urban growers and organizations.
Resources
Current Initiatives
City of Detroit Animal Husbandry License & Land Use
Residents seeking to keep animals or bees must obtain a license through the City of Detroit Animal Control Division. The application will be reviewed for compliance with city ordinances and zoning regulations. Fill out the form here.
Land Access: Purchasing Land and Permitting
Interested in starting a land-based project? Visit the BSEED Land-Based Projects page for detailed information on purchasing land and permitting processes.
Citywide Composting Program Launch
The Office of Sustainability is launching a free composting program for residents in 2025 with $100,000 in support from Carhartt, providing supplies, education, and a citywide drop-off site to strengthen community composting efforts. For more information, contact us at [email protected].
USDA Water Grant
The City of Detroit, through a USDA-funded pilot program, is working to improve water access for urban farmers by providing resources and infrastructure support, with the Office of Sustainability collaborating to implement sustainable water solutions. If you’re a Detroit-based farmer in need of water resources, contact us at [email protected].
Bee City Resolution
The City of Detroit's Bee City Resolution supports pollinator conservation by promoting sustainable habitats, with the Office of Sustainability collaborating with community organizations to enhance education and local initiatives. Read more here.
History of Urban Agriculture in Detroit
Detroit's journey in urban agriculture spans from the early 20th-century Potato Patch Farms to the 1970s Farm-A-Lot Program. Today, with over 2,200 gardens and farms, Detroit is a global leader in transforming vacant lots into vibrant, food-secure neighborhoods. These efforts provide fresh produce, strengthen community ties, promote environmental stewardship, and drive economic growth, showcasing resilience and innovation in urban food systems. Click the link below to see the historical timeline.
Guiding Policy Documents
- Urban Agriculture Ordinance of 2013
- Detroit Food Policy Council 2015
- The Detroit Food Policy Council- Food Systems Leaders worked with Councilwoman JoAnn Watson in 2014 to form the DFPC. The councils call to action was to ensured that those bringing food into our communities and the quality of foods provided to our youth and residents were held accountable
- Animal Keeping Ordinance of 2024 (Amendment Ch. 6 and Ch. 50)
- City of Detroit Bee City Resolution
- Urban Bird Treaty of 2017
- Detroit signed the Urban Bird Treaty in 2017, becoming the 29th US city to do so. The treaty is a collaboration between the city, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other organizations to help birds and their habitats.