DIRECTING CDMP AMENDMENT RE VERTICAL FARMING

Recreation, Tourism, and Resiliency Committee · 2026-07-14 · resolution

Miami-Dade County is directing the County Mayor or designee to file an application to amend the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) to allow or encourage greater allowances for high-intensity, closed agricultural production systems, such as vertical farming, inside urbanized areas. This initiative stems from a report highlighting the decline of traditional farmland and the need for innovative, space-efficient agricultural practices. The proposed change aims to support the agricultural industry's economic viability, reduce water consumption, lower CO2 emissions by bringing production closer to consumers, and offer resilience against environmental pressures like rising sea levels. Stakeholders expressed frustration with overlapping regulations and a lack of support, with many citing the need for more flexible policies like those enabling vertical agriculture in urban zones. The sector has reportedly grown substantially in recent years, particularly to meet demand from Miami's restaurant scene.