Indiana House Passes Urban Farming Bill Inspired by Gary Organization

The legislation would require a feasibility study to establish microfarm zones statewide.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Indiana House of Representatives has passed Senate Bill 164, which was inspired by the work of a Gary-based urban farming organization called Faith CDC. The bill requires the Indiana Department of Agriculture to conduct a feasibility study to establish urban farm microzones statewide, with a report due to the state legislature by December 1, 2027.

Why it matters

This legislation aims to support the growth of small-scale urban farming initiatives, like the one run by Faith CDC, which have been shown to improve access to fresh, healthy foods in underserved communities and contribute to better health outcomes. The bill's passage reflects growing interest in leveraging urban agriculture to address food insecurity and promote community wellness.

The details

Senate Bill 164 passed the Indiana House in an 87-3 vote after previously passing the Senate 44-4. The bill defines microfarming as the practice of cultivating crops and raising livestock on five acres of land or less, often using techniques like vertical gardening to maximize limited space. Faith CDC, the Gary-based organization that inspired the legislation, has produced over 40,000 pounds of food, much of which was donated to local food banks.

  • Senate Bill 164 passed the Indiana House on February 24, 2026.
  • The bill previously passed the Indiana Senate in a 44-4 vote.
  • The Indiana Department of Agriculture must submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the Indiana General Assembly by December 1, 2027.

The players

Senate Bill 164

Legislation that requires the Indiana Department of Agriculture to conduct a feasibility study to establish urban farm microzones statewide.

Faith CDC

A Gary-based urban farming organization that inspired the legislation through its work producing and donating over 40,000 pounds of food.

Mark Spencer

The Democratic state senator from Gary who authored Senate Bill 164.

Julie Olthoff

The Republican state representative from Crown Point who gave an overview of the bill during the House session.

Freida Graves

The director of Food is Medicine for Faith CDC who testified in support of the legislation.

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What they’re saying

“This bill uses microfarming to maximize limited space, sometimes using vertical gardening and other techniques to produce high-value food, herbs or flowers.”

— Julie Olthoff, State Representative (chicagotribune.com)

“As a (retired) nurse, I understand the correlation between access to fresh produce and proteins and chronic disease. This is why I support this legislation.”

— Freida Graves, Director of Food is Medicine, Faith CDC (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

Gov. Mike Braun is expected to sign the legislation into law at a later date.

The takeaway

This bill represents a promising step forward in leveraging urban agriculture to improve food access and community health, building on the successful model pioneered by the Faith CDC in Gary. If signed into law, the statewide feasibility study could pave the way for the expansion of similar small-scale farming initiatives in other underserved urban areas across Indiana.