Funding aims to educate and assist urban farm producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a nearly $9 million investment in local organizations. This funding, facilitated through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and in partnership with To Improve Mississippi Economics (T.I.M.E.), aims to provide crucial outreach, education, and technical assistance to urban agricultural producers.
FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux highlighted the initiative's goals, saying, "Working with T.I.M.E. to fund organizations providing on-the-ground support to urban producers is an important step in fulfilling our commitment to the health and sustainability of our communities and building resilient local food systems." This effort is part of a broader $40 million investment under President’s American Rescue Plan.
The initiative targets ten cities where FSA has established Urban County Committees, funding organizations like the Central Arkansas Sphinx Foundation and Sisters of Color United for Education and Consumption. These organizations will assist urban producers in accessing and benefiting from federal farm programs, thereby promoting sustainable urban farming practices.
This USDA initiative is a comprehensive strategy that includes forming urban county committees, administering competitive grants for urban agriculture, and supporting the People’s Garden Initiative.
Such efforts underscore the USDA's commitment to enhancing urban food systems and supporting the nation's urban farmers.