jJolly Avenue Community Garden in Clarkston, Georgia.
City Agriculture Planning Heads to DeKalb County!
We’re excited to announce that Clarkston has been selected as metro Atlanta’s fifth city to develop a City Agriculture Plan in partnership with Food Well and the Atlanta Regional Commission. Clarkston’s plan will be uniquely tailored to the cultural diversity of the city.
This spring, Food Well will bring together Clarkston growers, residents, and city officials to identify community goals around accessing and growing local food. The planning process with the Atlanta Regional Commission will then identify strategies to achieve those goals through city policies and community programs over the next 3-5 years. Clarkston will receive a $75,000 grant from Food Well to implement their plan.
The city of Clarkston has numerous active organizations focused on food and agriculture issues that can bring their strengths and experience to drive the City Agriculture Planning process by focusing on:
Increasing access to fresh food for all residents
Increasing local entrepreneurship opportunities
Reducing health disparities through inclusive policy and programming
Prioritizing sustainability and conservation
Honoring diverse practices and growing culturally appropriate foods
Stay tuned to learn more about Clarkston’s City Agriculture Plan and how you can get involved!
City of East Point
After a thorough exploration process in 2019, the City of East Point was selected to pilot the City Agriculture Plan. In 2021, East Point City Council adopted the region’s first City Agriculture Plan.
East Point approved the formation of a city-level Local Food Ecosystem Commission to guide the plan’s implementation and advise the Mayor and Council on matters related to local food and agriculture. The plan was funded by a $250,000 USDA Regional Food System Partnership grant.
City ofAlpharetta
The City of Alpharetta adopted the region's second City Agriculture Plan in 2022. Since 2023, the city has opened two new seed libraries at Fulton County Library branches and established new school partnerships to teach agricultural knowledge to youth.
In June 2024, Alpharetta piloted its first community composting program with local residents and Old Rucker Farm. The city continues to execute implementation projects using a $75,000 grant from FWA, matched by additional city funds.
City of Jonesboro
The City of Jonesboro was the next city to develop a City Agriculture Plan, the region’s first in Clayton County. Following an extensive community engagement phase, Jonesboro's Steering Committee, FWA, and ARC developed a City Agriculture Plan that was adopted in 2023.
Implementation began in 2024, in partnership with two local organizations, focusing on improving community garden infrastructure, enhancing food access, and providing educational opportunities.
City of Austell
In 2023, the City of Austell was selected by FWA and the ARC to develop Cobb County's first City Agriculture Plan. Austell's strong vision for holistic community improvement and commitment to reducing health disparities through inclusive food policies and programs were key factors in their selection.
Following a successful community engagement phase led by FWA, Austell’s Mayor and City Council have approved the adoption of the Austell City Agriculture Plan.
Why City Agriculture Planning?
Since 2018, Food Well Alliance has been working in partnership with the ARC to introduce City Agriculture Plans to cities across our five-county service area. Our vision is to bring local governments together with growers and their communities to ensure that cities incorporate local food and agriculture into their plans for development.
Cities that engage in the City Agriculture Planning program build community around local food and agriculture, formalize local government’s commitment to prioritizing health and sustainability, and attract innovative ideas and valuable resources to their cities. The process takes time, collaboration, and investment from city-wide stakeholders to create a visionary plan.
