Urban Agriculture Grants and Engagement Opportunities

Urban agriculture generally refers to the cultivation, processing and distribution of agricultural products in urban and suburban settings, including things like vertical production, warehouse farms, community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities, and other innovations. Urban farmers and gardeners work among diverse populations to expand access to nutritious foods, foster community engagement, provide jobs, educate communities about farming, and expand green spaces.

Inaugural Meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for UAIP

Agenda (PDF)
Presentation:  Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Overview
Meeting recordings: March 23, 2022 (4 hours and 31 minutes) and March 24, 2022 (3 hours and 35 minutes)
Learn more: New Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to Meet March 23-24
Website: Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

On This Page

How to Get Funding
How to Get Involved
Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Resources & News

How to Get Funding

Grants and cooperative agreements are awarded annually.

Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production Competitive Grants

 

These grants initiate or expand 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 development of policies related to zoning and other needs of urban production. 

Visit the Grant Projects webpage for recipient lists, factsheets, webinars, and the latest news about urban grants.

Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Project Cooperative Agreements

 

Cooperative agreements assist local and municipal governments with projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. Implementation activities will increase access to compost for agricultural producers, improve soil quality and encourages innovative, scalable waste management plans that reduce and divert food waste from landfills. 

Visit the Cooperative Agreements webpage for recipient lists, factsheets, webinars, and the latest news about urban cooperative agreements.

How to Get Involved

Feedback from farmers is crucial to USDA’s success, and USDA is working on two different networks to gather input and information. 

Federal Advisory Committee

This committee will be composed of agricultural producers and industry professionals who will advise the USDA on policies and outreach. Nominations were due on March 5, 2021. 

Learn How to Apply

Urban and Suburban County Committees

USDA has 11 selected Farm Service Agency County Committees focused on urban agriculture. Farmers who serve on committees help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level and ensure the programs serve the needs of local producers. Learn more about these committees at fsa.usda.gov/elections.

FSA County Committees News and Resources

USDA's Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to create the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) to better focus on the needs of urban farmers. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) leads the USDA-wide office, including representatives from other USDA agencies such as Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

This office:

  • Manages a competitive grants program
  • Is establishing a federal advisory committee and FSA county committees focused exclusively on urban agriculture
  • Develops policies and resources to assist urban producers

Urban Opportunities Resources

Urban Opportunities News

Find Your Local Service Center

We are committed to delivering USDA services to America’s farmers and ranchers while taking safety measures in response to the pandemic. Some USDA offices are beginning to reopen to limited visitors by appointment only. Service Center staff also continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Learn more at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.

Visit the Risk Management Agency website to find a regional or compliance office or to find an insurance agent near you.