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). The amendment aims to provide greater allowances for high-intensity, closed agricultural production systems, such as vertical farming, within urbanized areas. This initiative is based on recommendations from the "Evaluation of Agricultural Land Use Trends and Outlook in Miami-Dade County, Florida" report, which highlighted the decline in traditional farmland and the need for innovative, space-efficient agricultural practices. The report noted that 93 percent of the County's farms are under 50 acres, making vertical farming a crucial option for small operations. Stakeholders expressed frustration with regulations and a lack of support, advocating for more flexible policies like those enabling urban vertical agriculture. The sector is reportedly growing to meet demand, particularly from Miami's restaurant scene. The proposed CDMP amendment will require such uses to be compatible with surrounding residential or commercial development.