Jan 12, 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making significant strides in supporting urban agriculture and sustainable food production with $14.4 million in funding through two impactful programs. These initiatives aim to strengthen local food systems, enhance access to nutritious foods, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in urban areas.
$2.5 Million for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Grants
The USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) is allocating $2.5 million in competitive grants to foster urban agriculture projects that enhance local food production, job training, and education. Since 2020, the program has invested $53.7 million in projects nationwide, furthering its commitment to innovative farming in urban and suburban areas.
Grant Focus Areas
- Planning Activities: Supporting early-stage efforts to bring together stakeholders, including community gardeners, farmers, schools, and government officials, to develop strategies for urban agriculture.
- Implementation Activities: Accelerating existing and emerging urban farming models, such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and controlled environment agriculture systems.
Examples of Past Successes
- Howard-Sumaico School District (Green Bay, WI): Introduced hydroponic farming to provide fresh, nutritious food and teach students about innovative agricultural practices.
- Golden Triangle RC&D (Dawson, GA): Supported new and beginning farmers with training in vertical farming, hydroponics, and entrepreneurial development.
- Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona (Phoenix, AZ): Created a thriving urban farming industry that bolstered community health and economic growth in South Phoenix.
Applications for the UAIP grants are open until March 10, 2025, on Grants.gov. A pre-recorded webinar is also available to help applicants navigate the requirements.
$11.9 Million for Urban Agriculture Technical Assistance
In collaboration with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is dedicating $11.9 million to expand technical assistance through Urban Agriculture Conservation Extension Educators.
Extension Educator Roles and Impact
- Conservation Support: Helping urban producers conserve and restore natural resources while improving the health of their operations.
- Technical Guidance: Assisting with zoning, permitting, and climate-smart practices to ensure sustainable farming.
- Program Accessibility: Connecting producers to USDA programs, including conservation planning and grants.
These educators will work in 27 urban priority locations nationwide, providing localized expertise and scaling NRCS support for urban producers. The program also includes an Impact Collaborative to extend resources and best practices beyond the designated cities.
A Broader USDA Commitment to Urban Agriculture
The USDA’s investments reflect a comprehensive effort to transform urban food systems and promote equitable access to resources. Recent initiatives include:
- $40 Million in Urban Agriculture Funding: Through the American Rescue Plan, including $9 million for outreach and technical assistance in 10 cities.
- Urban Service Centers: Establishing 17 new centers staffed by FSA and NRCS employees to support urban producers.
- People’s Garden Initiative: Supporting collaborative gardens that enhance local food systems and greenspaces.
- Municipal Compost and Food Waste Reduction Strategies: Developing sustainable solutions to reduce food waste in urban areas.
These actions are part of the USDA’s broader goals under the Biden-Harris administration to create resilient, equitable, and climate-smart food systems while fostering innovation in agriculture.
For more information, visit USDA.gov/urban.
This $14.4 million investment underscores the USDA’s commitment to empowering urban communities with tools, expertise, and funding to meet the growing demand for local, sustainable food production. By supporting innovation and equity in urban agriculture, the USDA is paving the way for a healthier, more resilient food future.
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