The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently accepting applications for its Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) grants that have the aim of supporting urban agriculture and innovative production. Applications for the 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), leader of the 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.”
UAIP grants are available to a wide range of applicants, including local and tribal governments, nonprofits, and schools. Grants are available for two types of projects:
- Planning Projects – projects that initiate or expand the efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools and other stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs. Such 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; and
- Implementation Projects – projects that 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.
More information is available at www.usda.gov/urban. Additional resources available to producers include a free download: Urban Agriculture at a Glance brochure and the webpage, www.farmers.gov/urban.