~ Seeking interest from produce growers in Baltimore City ~

Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), in partnership with the Department of Planning (DOP), has issued a Request for Proposals for urban agriculture.  The City is seeking urban farming proposals – which can be from for-profits, non-profits, or individuals – for one or more of four identified city-owned sites.  The sites are a variety of sizes and conditions, are scattered throughout the city, and will either lease or sell for new urban agriculture projects.

"Baltimore has prioritized activating vacant land for urban agricultural use consistent with priorities outlined by communities to see well-managed green space and community-based commerce,” said Planning Director Chris Ryer.

“Not only will we be putting vacant land into productive use with this approach, but we’ll be increasing local food production and combatting food insecurity in our communities.  “We want Baltimoreans to grow local, buy local and eat local,” said Housing Commissioner Alice Kennedy. "This RFP also supports the Mayor's Action Plan, which lays out an ambitious vision for increasing food production activities in Baltimore City."

DHCD and DOP are soliciting proposals from qualified organizations and developers with a proven track record of experience in professional agriculture.  Proposals will be received until November 16, 2022.  RFP Submission Guidelines can be found on DHCD’s website.  A pre-proposal conference is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, to discuss the call for proposals, provide additional information, and answer questions.

Identifying these specific spaces amplifies Baltimore’s Urban Agriculture Plan, which has existed since 2013.  The 2019 Baltimore Sustainability Plan includes an Urban Agriculture chapter stating a vision for “a city where communities that have been historically excluded from access to land and to fresh, healthy, culturally-appropriate foods are those that benefit most from urban agriculture opportunities.”  In addition, the Baltimore Green Network Plan, which addresses the beneficial use of vacant lots with community input, was adopted in October 2018 by the Baltimore Department of Planning.

###