Objective: To promote self-sufficiency, enhance food security, encourage healthy eating habits, and contribute to environmental sustainability through the revival of the Victory Garden concept.
Policy Components:
- Victory Garden Property Tax Incentive:
- Eligibility: Homeowners who dedicate a minimum of 200 square feet (or 10% of their land area, whichever is smaller) to growing fruits, vegetables, or herbs can qualify.
- Incentive: A reduction in property taxes by 5% for properties maintaining a Victory Garden for at least one full growing season annually.
- Compliance: Annual certification by local agricultural extension services or community garden organizations to verify the garden’s activity and yield.
- Victory Gardens in Government-Assisted Housing:
- Requirement: All new constructions or renovations of government-assisted housing units must include designated garden space for each dwelling. This space should be at least 100 square feet per unit where feasible.
- Support: Provide basic gardening tools, seeds, and educational workshops on gardening for residents, funded through community block grants or similar federal programs.
- Meat Program with Property Tax Incentive:
- Eligibility: Property owners who keep small, sustainable livestock (e.g., chickens, ducks, quails, doves, rabbits) for personal egg or meat production. This will provide aid in fertilizing the victory gardens.
- Incentive: An additional property tax reduction of 2% for maintaining a sustainable meat program.
- Regulations:
- Limit to 6 chickens per person per household or as adjusted by local zoning laws.
- Mandatory compliance with local health and safety regulations.
- Educational programs on humane and hygienic practices in animal husbandry.
- Implementation and Oversight:
- Federal Department: The Department of Agriculture (USDA) in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will oversee the program.
- Local Implementation: State and local governments will adapt the program to local conditions, with federal guidelines setting the minimum standards.
- Funding:
- Initial funding for educational resources and infrastructure in government housing from HUD’s budget.
- Ongoing funding for incentives could be derived from reallocation of current agricultural support programs or new legislative appropriations.
- Environmental and Health Benefits:
- Carbon Sequestration: Highlight the role of these gardens in CO2 absorption and soil health, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Health Benefits: Emphasize the availability of fresh, organic produce, reducing reliance on processed foods and enhancing nutritional intake for children and adults.
- Educational Outreach:
- Programs: Develop and fund national campaigns for gardening and sustainable living education, including school curriculums, community workshops, and online resources.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with schools, universities, and community organizations to spread knowledge and foster community engagement.
- Evaluation and Adjustment:
- Monitoring: Annual reports on the impact of the program on food security, community health, and environmental benefits.
- Adjustments: Regular reviews to adapt incentives, regulations, and educational outreach to maximize program efficacy.
This policy aims to reinvigorate the Victory Garden ethos, promoting a culture of self-reliance, community, and environmental stewardship across the United States.