Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants
USDA assists urban, small-scale, and innovative producers with growing, processing and selling. They provide technical and financial assistance for a variety of growing operations, including community farms and gardens, rooftop, indoor, and vertical farms, and hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities.
USDA assists urban, small-scale, and innovative producers with growing, processing and selling. They provide technical and financial assistance for a variety of growing operations, including community farms and gardens, rooftop, indoor, and vertical farms, and hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities.
These operations provide healthy, local food, encourage economic development, provide employment and on-the-job training, expand community greenspaces, foster community collaboration, build climate and disaster resilient communities, and are an essential part of a resilient diversified food system.
Grant Types
Planning projects
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.
Implementation Projects
accelerate existing and emerging models of urban, indoor, and other agricultural practices that serve multiple farmers. Projects will improve local food access and collaborate with partner organizations and may support infrastructure needs; emerging technologies; educational endeavors; and urban farming policy implementation.
Webinar
This webinar provides an overview of the USDA-NRCS-Office of Urban Agriculture’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program funding opportunity for fiscal year 2025. This webinar focuses on general information about the UAIP funding opportunity, competitive grants, applicant eligibility and application review process. This presentation is specific for the UAIP funding opportunity for fiscal year 2025. For complete details regarding this funding this opportunity please visits grants.gov and farmers.gov/urban
Application
Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) competitive 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.
FAQs
General Information
Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). Funding Opportunity Title: Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program. Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-UAIP-25-NOFO0001415. Assistance Listing Number: 10.935. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time via Grants.gov. Estimated Funding Range: $100,000 to $250,000 per award. Expected Selection Date: July 1, 2025.
Program Purpose
The UAIP program aims to: Support urban agriculture and innovative production practices, such as community gardens, rooftop farms, vertical farms, hydroponics, aquaponics, and more. Improve access to fresh, healthy food in underserved areas. Encourage community and local policy development related to zoning and urban agricultural practices. Promote education, business planning, and partnerships for local food systems.
Key Activities Supported
Planning Activities: Assess community needs in local food systems. Develop business plans and feasibility studies. Create educational programs and local policy recommendations (e.g., zoning laws).
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants: Local governments (city, township, county). Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status). Native American tribal governments and organizations. Independent school districts and public housing authorities. Special district governments. Ineligible Applicants: Individuals, for-profit organizations, and higher education institutions. Partnerships: Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with two or more partners (e.g., community organizations, private entities, schools) for higher consideration.
Funding Details
Allowable Costs: Materials and supplies for urban farms (e.g., soil, seeds, irrigation systems). Equipment purchase, lease, or rental. Construction costs for temporary or permanent structures (e.g., greenhouses, vertical farms). Personnel and labor costs for consultants, educators, and program coordinators. Travel expenses for conferences, workshops, or training directly related to the project. Non-Allowable Costs: Pre-award costs (e.g., grant writing fees). Purchases not directly tied to project objectives.
Contact
General Inquiries: Email: urbanagriculture@usda.gov USDA Partnerships: www.usda.gov/partnerships Technical Support for Grants.gov: Phone: 1-800-518-4726 Email: support@grants.gov For more information, visit the USDA Urban Agriculture website: USDA Urban Agriculture
Assistance
If you would like some help applying or need assistance with further information you can book a time to our calendar or give us a quick call @ 415-917-4385. Rose, our AI agent will put you in touch