Sen. Nice’s bill promoting urban agriculture clears full Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to promote agriculture in urban counties has cleared the Senate and is now headed to the governor’s desk for final approval. Sen. Nikki Nice is the Senate principal author of House Bill 1910, which was approved by the full Senate on Wednesday. Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval is the principal House author of the measure.

Under the provisions of HB 1910, the Conservation Commission develop program guidelines to conservation districts containing urban areas with the goal of promoting sustainable urban agriculture, improve food security, and enhance green spaces in Oklahoma’s urban counties.

“The program will produce numerous benefits for Oklahomans,” said Nice, D-Oklahoma City. “We’ll be able to educate participating communities on best practices for the sustainable use of water and soil, so it protects our natural resources. It means we’ll also help meet a critical need in urban and suburban communities for fresh, healthy produce. I’m so grateful that Representative Alonso-Sandoval asked me to help him carry this bill and very grateful for the full Senate’s support.”

Alonso-Sandoval said HB 1910 is about growing more than just food.

“This legislation is about growing opportunity, self-sufficiency, and health in our communities,” said Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City. “When food is grown locally, we’re not just addressing hunger, we’re addressing nutrition. Not all food is created equal. This program helps urban families access the kind of fresh, vitamin-rich, unprocessed foods, like leafy greens, that actually improve health and meet real dietary needs. It’s a win for our people, our environment, and our local economy.” 

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Nikki Nice at 405-521-5531 or Nikki.Nice@oksenate.gov