The St. Louis Food Policy Coalition polled 854 residents in 75 neighborhoods in St. Louis, Missouri asking respondents their opinions and concerns regarding urban farming. The following results were received:
- 56% of respondents reported growing vegetables, with an additional 16% reporting they would like to grow vegetables
- 73 people would like to sell produce from a stand in their yard or a community garden
- 79 people reported raising chickens and an additional 201 people reported they would like to raise chickens
- 21 people would like to sell eggs from a stand in their yard or a community garden
- 97% of respondents support using vacant lots in their neighborhood for urban agriculture
- 63% of respondents are in favor of changing the city code to allow for more chickens. An additional 21% reported they are unsure and want to learn more.
- 77% of respondents would like to see the city make it easier to acquire land for food production and an additional 15% reported they are unsure and would like to learn more.
The primary obstacles being faced by residents wishing to farm is the affordability of vacant land, the ability to sell produce and eggs, and the number of chickens that are allowed to be raised on city lots.
“We did try to hear from people in every ward,” stated St. Louis Food Policy Coalition director Melissa Vatterott. “[The hope is] if we are able to put together a comprehensive urban agriculture bill in 2017, the aldermen will be receptive based on the information we presented them.”
