Urban Agriculture Resources
The City of Salem passed an amendment to its Urban Agriculture Ordinance in the spring of 2022 as a way to increase community members’ access to fresh and healthy foods, improve the local economy and environment, increase the resiliency of our community, and benefit public health. The amendment and accompanying Board of Health regulations supports both commercial and backyard growers, encourages sustainable best practices, and ensures that these activities remain compatible with their urban surroundings.
Salem Food for All created the City of Salem Guide to Growing (attached below in English and Spanish) to explain what activities are allowed under the Urban Agriculture Ordinance Amendment. The following resources provide guidance on sustainable growing, soil testing, beekeeping, raising of hens and other domestic fowl, and also how to safely store produce, honey and eggs that are intended for sale. For any additional questions or information, please contact Kerry Murphy at kmurphy@salem.com or at 978-619-5652.
Local Growing
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project
Northeast Organic Farming Association
UMass Extension Center for Agriculture, Food, & the Environment
Beekeeping
Essex County Beekeepers Association
MA Beekeepers Association Best Practices
UMass Extension Beekeeping Resources
Backyard Poultry
Keeping Chickens in Cold Weather
Selling Produce, Honey, Eggs
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 guide_to_growing_english.pdf | 5.7 MB |
| guide_to_growing_spanish.pdf | 15.12 MB |