The Urban Agriculture Amendment Act of 2025 aims to enhance urban farming practices in the District of Columbia by amending existing laws related to urban farm real property tax credits and the Urban Farming Land Lease Program. Key changes include allowing crops beyond just produce, removing the option to grow crops directly in site soil, and stipulating that crops may only have minimal contact with site soil. The bill also expands the definition of "crops" to encompass both produce and horticultural products, while clarifying that urban farms must be managed by entities rather than individuals.
Additionally, the legislation addresses public health concerns regarding heavy metals in site soil and aims to encourage the use of urban land for farming. The amendments will require urban farms to utilize alternative growing methods such as raised beds or hydroponics, thereby eliminating the need for soil testing by the Department of Energy and Environment. Overall, the bill seeks to broaden access to urban farming programs and promote sustainable agricultural practices within the District.