Jefferson County Master Gardeners were excited to attend the Pine Bluff City Council Meeting on March 3 in support of a resolution to create Urban Agricultural Task Force.
This 15-member task force will explore, promote and implement urban agricultural initiatives within the city.
The council voted to approve a resolution creating the program. The resolution was sponsored by Fourth Ward Council Member Bruce Lockett.
The resolution says urban agriculture provides many benefits including access to fresh produce, community engagement, environmental sustainability and educational opportunities, according to the news release.
Master Gardener Belinda Randall addressed the council during public comments in favor of the resolution.
Among the resolution’s objectives will be to encourage the development of community gardens, rooftop farms and other farming projects throughout the city. Members of the task force will include a member from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of Agriculture and a member of the Master Gardener Program.
For more information about the Master Gardener Program, contact county extension agent Timothy Wallace at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service (870) 534-1033 or twallace@uada.edu.