INDIANAPOLIS—Senate Bill (SB) 164, authored by State Senator Mark Spencer (D-Gary), which would require our Department of Agriculture to conduct a study and report regarding the feasibility of establishing community or urban micro farming zones statewide, passed the House of Representatives on third reading.
“The act of going from seed to soil and then soil to product that feeds Hoosier families is sacred and an integral part of our state’s identity,” said Spencer. “This legislation creates an avenue for more communities to engage with that identity.”
Spencer expressed gratitude to both Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) and Rep. Aylesworth (R-Hebron) for hearing the legislation in committee, Sen. Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville) for being second author on the legislation and to Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Rep. Earl Harris (D-East Chicago) for sponsoring the bill.
“The bipartisan support of this initiative throughout the process is a testament to the reverence we hold for agriculture in our state,” said Spencer. “It also speaks to the importance of every community having access to healthy, locally grown food.”
SB 164 now moves to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
