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Pasco County Food Policy Advisory Council (FPAC)
Mission
The Food Policy Advisory Council facilitates the development of responsible policies improving access to culturally appropriate, nutritionally sound and affordable food produced in Pasco County.
Vision
An equitable, resilient, local food system in Pasco County
FPAC Enabling Resolutions
FPAC Regular Meeting Schedule
Pasco County, FL
FPAC Meets 2nd Wednesday of Each Month Every 3 Months All Meetings 10am-11:30am, except as noted |
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Meeting Locations vary. See agenda or meeting schedule.
FY2022 Food Policy Advisory Council Meeting Schedule
The Pasco County Food Policy Assessment profiles Pasco County’s current food system and is a tool for stakeholders – farmers, sellers, consumers and policy makers. The study provides insights about Pasco County’s food system’s infrastructure, production, processing, and distribution and consumptions elements. The study examines the following components of the community food system and provides a snapshot of related data:
- Socioeconomic and Demographic Data;
- Local Agricultural Production;
- Processing and Distribution;
- Food Availability and Consumption;
- Waste and Recycling; and
- Policy and Regulation.
The study was undertaken by the Pasco County Department of Health with guidance by the Pasco County Food Policy Council and Planning and Development Department Long Range Planning Division. A copy of the assessment is provided below, as well as the presentation to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners on August 29, 2017.
The Urban Agricultural Ordinance No. 17-19, adopted by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners on June 20, 2017, provides for design, operations and maintenance standards for community gardens, market gardens and community farms in Pasco County. The ordinance amended Chapter 500 Zoning Standards of the Pasco County Land Development Code detailing principal uses, permitted uses and conditional uses by zoning classification. The ordinance also created a garden plan permit system and provided for definitions of community gardens, market gardens and community farms.
The intent of the ordinance is to:
- To not regulate home gardens or "Greenbelt" agricultural farms exempt under Florida Statutes, Chapter 193.46;
- Clarify the legal status and regulating the permitting and operation of Community Gardens, Market Gardens and Community Farms within the County;
- Increase local food production supplies;
- Allow the growing of crops and ornamental flowers within Pasco County while minimizing negative impacts to adjacent properties and the community;
- Encourage locally grown produce, promote healthy and nutritional food, and fill gaps in food accessibility within the County;
- Foster community engagement by providing opportunities for recreation education/training, special events, social interaction and economic potential benefits;
- Outlines process for use of public lands for community gardens, market gardens and community farms; and
- Provide green space and enhance community character.
The Harbors West Market Redevelopment/Infill Plan adopted by the County Commission on June 25, 2013 included a Community Garden plan element and identified the following strategies:
Strategy 010:
a. "Encourage agriculture and food production at the local or neighborhood scale" and
b. "Help development partnerships to establish and maintain community gardens, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and farmers' markets."
Strategy O11:
a. "Evaluate the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development code to incorporate policies, standards and regulations pertaining to urban agriculture."
Click here for the Urban Agricultural Registration Form
Urban Agricultural Ordinance No. 17-19 (adopted 6/20/2017) (PDF)
If you have further questions, please view our Urban Agricultural Ordinances FAQ page HERE.
Pasco County Ordinances Quick Links
Land Development Code
Pasco County Code of Ordinances
Article II- Occupational License Tax
UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension Website
Community Gardening Page
Pesticide Licensing
Limited Sales Certification
State of Florida
Division of Food Safety
Food Establishment Inspections
Information for getting a food establishment permit
Organic Material Review Institute
Community Garden Non-Profit Start Up Tools
Community Garden Operating Rules Sample (PDF)
Community Garden Organization By-Laws Sample (PDF)
Volunteer Agreement (PDF)
New Port Richey Seed Exchange
Brochure (PDF)
Label (PDF)