Proposed Rules Could Increase Farming In Boston

New farms could sprout up around Boston under proposed new zoning rules that would make it easier to start commercial agriculture operations.

The Boston Globe reports that the new rules would allow small ground-level and roof-top farms to be established without the sometime lengthy public hearing process.

And this month, city officials have kicked off a series of neighborhood meetings to discuss how to remove barriers to launching urban agriculture.

Non-commercial farming, such as what people practice in backyard plots, is already permitted. But Boston's zoning code doesn't address many other types of agriculture, and if the code doesn't address it, it's not allowed.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino backs expanded urban farming, saying it can increase neighborhood unity and help bring more green spaces to the city.