The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced applications are now being accepted from Florida urban agricultural producers for Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) projects. These projects are under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which offers producers technical and financial assistance to address resource concerns on their land.
“Urban agriculture projects can help improve nutrition and food access and increase local food production in urban communities,” said Juan Hernandez, State Conservationist for the USDA Florida Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “With 80 percent of the U.S. population living in or near urban centers, urban agriculture can make a significant positive impact on the health and well-being of many individuals.”
“Agriculture is not defined by the location of the farm or the size of the plot. Agriculture is the source of our Nation’s food and fiber, and it continues to grow in impact and importance in our urban areas,” said Deborah Tannenbaum, State Executive Director for the USDA Florida Farm Service Agency (FSA).
While USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts these applications year-round, Florida producers and landowners should apply by May 13, 2022, to be considered for funding in the current cycle.?Applications received after the batching date will automatically be considered during the next funding cycle. Approximately $500,000 in funding will be available to Florida participants through a competitive process.
Eligible areas for the program are those that have a population of 50 thousand or higher and include a two-mile adjoining radius. Urban agricultural projects will be ranked according to priority resource concerns.
To apply for EQIP Urban Agricultural Initiative projects, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center.