Issue link: https://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/791958
POLICY DIRECTION 253 Policy Policy Intent Policy 9: Support Expansion of and Access to Local Food Systems Support locally grown and produced foods in Cary. The intent of this policy is to support a healthy community by providing opportunities for people to grow their own food and to purchase locally grown food at farmers markets. Implementation includes education and recreational opportunities that connect citizens with Cary's agricultural heritage and ways to support present-day local farmers, basic gardening and cultivation methods, home composting and soil protection, sustainable gardening methods in the face of climate change, reduced reliance on chemical pesticides and herbicides with integrated pest management, and expansion of native honeybee support and native pollinator education. Policy 10: Support soil regeneration, use of native plants, and increased biodiversity for pollinators and wildlife. Support the use of native plants, soil regeneration, and the reduction of impacts to pollinators and wildlife. The intent of this policy is to recognize the importance of supporting the use of native plants and reducing the presence of invasive plants. Changes have been made to the recommended planting list for development that have been incorporated into regulatory reviews to strengthen the required use of native plants and prohibit invasive plants. Cary recognizes the indispensable role of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, in supporting local agriculture and maintaining healthy ecosystems. Continuing to promote the Cary Garden for Wildlife Program provides an opportunity for anyone in the community to get involved to support healthy habitats. For native plants and wildlife gardens to grow, healthy soil is necessary. The health of Cary's soil is paramount to the community's environmental and economic well-being and is the foundation for healthy ecosystems and the mitigation of climate change. Continuing to provide education to the community and identifying opportunities for incentives will help to continue to enhance the resiliency of Cary's natural ecosystem.