AU project require a genuine approach to and investment in building sustainable food systems. Some of the characteristics of an AU project include:
- A strong food-agricultural identity
- Protection of farmland in perpetuity for farming in the form of trusts or covenants registered on title.
- Connection to the surrounding community in terms of road and trail connectivity, views, and events.
- Integration not separation of people and land that requires well planned and designed transitions.
- Transit supportive densities.
- Intelligent agriculture systems.
- Urban agriculture.
- Full scope of food system land uses, from food-oriented commercial and processing areas to community gardens and kitchens.
- Education and training programs for how to grow, preserve, and prepare foods.
- Architectural and landscape character that is agriculturally inspired.
- Design for food-related events.
- Innovative green infrastructure systems (water, stormwater, energy and waste).
- Enhancing ecosystems and habitat through thoughtful landscape design and restricting development footprint on ecologically sensitive areas.
- Increase access to land for farmers through farmer access agreements and affordable long-term lease rates.
- Leveraging the food and agriculture program with other sustainability goals.