The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA’s) Urban Agriculture Grant Program is a one-time only competitive grant that will fund programs and projects that enhance the viability of agriculture in urban areas across the state of California.
Urban agriculture refers to the cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products in urban settings, including things like in-ground small plot cultivation; raised beds; vertical production; warehouse farms; mushroom growing; urban forestry and tree care; 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, offer workforce development opportunities, educate communities about food and farming, and expand green spaces.
CDFA defines “urban” as being a geographic area no more than 25 miles adjacent to or outside of one Urbanized Area containing a population of 50,000 or more people.
There are two funding tracks available. The Systems Builder Community-Based Block Grant will increase staff capacity and provide pass-through funding from $75,000 to $400,000 for community-based organizations with grassroots involvement in urban and regional food systems planning. The Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant will directly fund urban agriculture projects, providing awards from $75,000 to $250,000. CDFA will award up to $5,870,000 for proposals through this solicitation.
Application deadline: October 23, 2023
Who is eligible to apply?
Track 1: Systems Builder Community-Based Block Grant
- Nonprofit organizations and Tribal governments and Tribal-based nonprofit organizations with knowledge and experience in regional food systems are eligible to apply.
- Individuals; for-profit organizations; local, state, and federal government entities; and public or private colleges and universities are not eligible to apply.
Track 2: Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant
- Nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, Tribal governments and Tribal-based nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
- Individuals; local, state, and federal government entities; and public or private colleges and universities are not eligible to apply.
For General FAQs, please review the FAQ Sheet.
Please email CDFA’s Urban Ag Program Lead at caurbanag@cdfa.ca.gov with questions.
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This article was written by Hanali Lopez-Tapia on behalf of the CDFA’s Urban Agriculture Grant Program.