The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for grants to support urban agriculture and innovative production. Applications for USDA's Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grants are due April 9, 2024, via grants.gov.
"This grant program has proven very popular and impactful in recent years, and we look forward to partnering with more communities nationwide to strengthen local food systems and increase access to healthy foods," said Terry Cosby, Chief of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which leads USDA's Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). "These projects will add to the important work communities are doing to build food security in underserved areas."
Since 2020, UAIP grants have invested more than $46.8 million in 186 projects across the country, and they're part of USDA's support for urban and innovative producers. UAIP grants are available to a range of individuals and entities, including local and Tribal governments, nonprofits, and schools. OUAIP provides grants for two types of projects: Planning Projects and Implementation Projects.
Planning Projects
Planning Projects aim to initiate or expand the efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools, and other stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs. Projects may target areas of food access, education, business and start-up costs for new farmers, and the development of plans related to zoning and other needs of urban production. For example, the May James Urban Agriculture Park Planning project in Charlotte, N.C., aims to address issues including food deserts, socio-economic disparities, physical inactivity, and nutrition-related health problems by planning an urban agriculture park in an underserved area. In Flagstaff, Ariz. the County of Coconino and its partners intend to develop, implement, and refine a community model and culturally connected agriculture education to increase engagement in the local food system and increase food security for resident populations in need.
Implementation Projects
Implementation Projects seek to accelerate existing and emerging models of urban, indoor, and other agricultural practices that serve farmers and communities. Projects may improve local food access, include collaboration with partner organizations, and support infrastructure needs, emerging technologies, and educational endeavors. For example, Flint River Fresh in Albany, Ga. aims to bring fresh, healthy food directly to the community and guide residents to self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship through urban agriculture, including a new hydroponic greenhouse, a grocery space in a low food-access location, and expanded outreach and educational opportunities. Grow It Forward in Manitowoc, Wis., intends to increase food production and improve access to local healthy food, establish an urban agriculture training program, and expand the capacity of the existing hydroponic farm, community garden, and greenhouse.
OUAIP was established through the 2018 Farm Bill. It is led by NRCS and works in partnership with numerous USDA agencies that support urban agriculture and innovative production.
Source:www.nrcs.usda.gov