By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation aimed at promoting urban agriculture and horticulture by allowing cities with a population greater than 50,000 and all Gateway Cities to exempt property taxes for land used for commercial urban agriculture.

The tax incentive applies to only the portion of land on a parcel being used for agriculture and only applies to portions that are two acres or less. Additionally, the parcel must have had at least $500 in gross sales of agricultural or horticultural products to be eligible for the tax incentive.

“We filed this bill to support small-scale urban agriculture, which strengthens local food systems, improves environmental health and promotes local economic development,” said co-sponsors Reps. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) and Vanna Howard (D-Lowell), in a joint statement. “This bill allows cities to incentivize urban agriculture and gain these benefits through a property tax exemption.”