URBAN AGRICULTURE 



With the assistance of the Commonwealth Service Corps 

 program^we fostered community greenhouse construction and 

 cooperative arrangements between urban food coops and area 

 farmers. We also worked with other agencies and community 

 groups to make land available on a permanent basis for 

 nei^borhood people that want cind need to raise food, and are 

 supporting projects that demonstrate the viability of urban 

 agriculture. 



AGRICULTURAL LAND USE 



By participating in the planning process and monitoring 

 decisions that may affect agricultural lands, we try to prevent 

 further loss or destruction of agricultural resources. We 

 participate in the New England SmaJJ. Farms Committee, the 

 State Rural Development Committee, and the Coalition on Food 

 and Agriculture. 



FARMERS 'MARKETS FOR BOSTON 



With our assistance, the number of farmers markets in 

 Boston was expanded from 3 to 6 neighborhoods: South End, 

 Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Somerville, Cambridge, and Brookline. 

 These markets provide fresh, quality produce for inner-city 

 residents, improving nutrition and affording an opportunity 

 for farmers to sell directly to consumers. 



RESEARCHING LEAD IN URBAN SOILS 



We have continued to coordinate efforts to investigate 

 the extent of lead contamination of urban garden plants and 

 soils, and a program for any gardener to get free soil- 

 testing for lead. Participating in this effort are Boston 

 Urban Gardeners, Inc., Suffolk Coxmty Extension Service, 

 Waltham Experiment Station, and the E.P.A. 



FINANCIAL REPORT 



The budget appropriated to accomplish the various programs 

 of the Division was $71,000. 



- 7 - 



