Last week, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) indicated in a news release that, “The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $3 million for grants through its new Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until midnight July 6, 2020.
“‘These grant opportunities underscore USDA’s commitment to all segments of agriculture, including swiftly expanding areas of urban agriculture,’ Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said. ‘Such projects have the potential to address important issues such as food access and education and to support innovative ways to increase local food production in urban environments.’
“‘We are proud to be able to offer support though this cross-agency effort,’ said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach. ‘In creating this grant opportunity, USDA will build upon its years of experience providing technical support, grant funding and research to help farmers and local and urban food businesses grow.'”
The update added that, “A webinar, which will be held on June 3, 2020, from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, will provide an overview of the grants’ purpose, project types, eligibility and basic requirements for submitting an application. Information on how to register for and participate in the webinar, or listen to the recording, will be posted at farmers.gov/urban.”
