Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Farhang FaghihLarijani ¹
• Elaheh Amani Vamarzani ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Public Law, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

² LLM, Environmental Law, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

Abstract

Introduction

Urban agriculture is closely related to both natural and urban environments. Economically, socially, and environmentally, urban agriculture serves as a unique component of the city, with its regulation depending on legal, economic, social, and cultural factors. In the legal history of Iran, urban laws and regulations have recognized agricultural activities; however, due to the predominance of rural agriculture and a traditional understanding of the field, urban agriculture has not been viewed as a critical area of concern and has not been addressed independently within the legal system. According to Article 4 of the Law on Definitions and Regulations of Administrative Divisions, agriculture is classified as an urban profession within the definition of city. Nevertheless, the legislators have not enacted a comprehensive law specifically for urban agriculture, nor have they explicitly included it in the legal definitions of urban lands, and zones, or other relevant urban laws. Cities, characterized by legal limits and specific geographical boundaries, include agriculture among various activities. Despite the differences in the fabric of cities, there exists a legal basis and background necessary for the formation of urban agriculture. In certain cases, such as holding agricultural exhibitions in cities, there have been direct references to promote agricultural activities in urban settings. However, over time, as cities have evolved and diversified, other land uses have become more pronounced. The economic inefficiency of agricultural activities compared to manufacturing, industrial, and construction sectors has contributed to a decline in urban agriculture. Despite the adverse development processes and significant destruction of urban agricultural foundations, agricultural uses have not entirely vanished from contemporary cities. An independent legal system, supported by specialized administrative institutions and laws, exists to maintain, strengthen, and develop agriculture in areas outside cities, particularly in rural regions. However, whether such a framework exists within cities remains uncertain. The present study aimed to address whether an independent legal system is in place within urban areas to recognize, maintain, and develop urban agriculture. The study hypothesized that one of the primary challenges in this field is the lack of compatibility and coordination between existing laws and the requirements for maintaining and developing urban agriculture. Additionally, the lack of a dedicated legal system to support and develop urban agriculture contributes to these issues. Furthermore, economic incentives, the lack of transparency, and the multitude of authorities have accelerated the degradation of agricultural land and hindered the development of urban agriculture. 

Literature Review

Although several studies have been conducted in other disciplines concerned with urban agriculture, the legal aspects of urban agriculture have largely been overlooked in the legal literature in Iran, particularly from a public law perspective. There is thus a significant gap in the legal literature on urban agriculture.
3. Materials and Methods
The present study relied on a descriptive–analytical approach to address the challenges surrounding the formation and development of urban agriculture. The data was collected through a library research method, which involved reviewing laws, regulations, and relevant interdisciplinary studies in the field of urban agriculture.
4. Results and DiscussionThe findings revealed several legal challenges to the formation and development of urban agriculture, including the multiplicity of laws and regulations, the multitude of administrative authorities, the unfavorable punitive or criminal approach to preserving agriculture, the shortcomings in urban development plans, and an overly permissive administrative mechanism for changing the use of urban agriculture. In addition, the lack of reliance on sustainable income sources in urban management, the practice of generating revenue by repurposing agricultural land, and the economic and livelihood challenges faced by citizens were found as significant financial and economic obstacles.
5.  Conclusion
In Iran, while urban laws and regulations emphasize the importance of preserving agricultural and garden uses within cities, the fragmented nature of the legal system has led to significant legal and economic challenges that hinder its efficiency. To improve the current situation, it is essential to draft and enact coherent laws and regulations for the preservation and development of urban agriculture, establish a single authoritative body responsible for urban agriculture in the urban zone, and implement stricter legal restrictions on the conversion of agricultural land use. In addition, providing legal incentives (e.g., tax exemptions and fee exemptions), offering financial support, and giving technical advisory services can help promote the development of urban agriculture.

Keywords

• Urban Agriculture
• Agriculture Lands
• Urban Environment
• Municipality
• Garden

Main Subjects

• Public Law