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Tell Berkeley: Let Backyard Gardeners Sell Their Fruits and Veggies
  1. Signatures
    706 out of 1,000
    Petitioning
    1. Director/Berkeley Planning and Development Department (+ 1 other)
      Petitioning
      close
      • Director/Berkeley Planning and Development Department (Dan Marks)
      • Secretary/Berkeley Planning and Development Department (Jordan Harrison)
  2. Created By
    Sarah Parsons
    Silver Spring, MD
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

Under Berkeley, California's existing legislation, it's very difficult for backyard farmers to legally sell their produce. As one grower, Sophie Hahn, told The Bay Citizen, "It's actually easier in Berkeley to have a pot collective than to have a vegetable collective."

The Berkeley City Council recently wrote to the city's planning department asking officials to make it easier for backyard gardeners to sell their produce. If the changes go through, backyard farms would be considered a home business. Selling produce, then, would be as simple as obtaining a permit to give piano lessons or tutor.

However, officials at the planning department face some logistical hurdles, and they aren't sure whether they will implement these suggested changes. Tell Berkeley's Planning and Development Department to let the local food movement grow and thrive. Sign our petition asking the department to adopt the City Council's recommended rule changes.

Recent Signatures

Let Backyard Gardeners Sell Their Produce

Greetings,

The Berkeley City Council recently wrote to the Planning and Development Department asking for officials to make it easier for backyard gardeners to sell their produce. Under the suggested changes, backyard gardens would be classified as a home business, making it much easier for farmers to obtain permits to sell fruits and veggies.

Consuming locally produced foods cuts back on greenhouse gas emissions, prompts more people to consume fruits and veggies, and directs money back into the community. I realize changing laws requires overcoming logistical hurdles, but it's worth it. Berkeley is seen as one of the most progressive, food-focused cities in America. If Berkeley supports urban gardeners, other towns might follow suit, allowing the local food movement to grow and thrive throughout the nation.

Please adopt the law changes suggested by the Berkeley City Council and allow backyard gardeners to sell their produce.

[Your name]

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