The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama recently extended the deadline to submit applications for the Urban Agriculture Initiative to Monday, May 15.
Alabama is offering financial assistance to assist urban growers in areas such as: Soil Health, Erosion Control, Irrigation and Water Conservation, Weeds and Pests, Pollinator Habitat, and High Tunnels. Five Urbanized Areas within the State are a part of the pilot initiative for Fiscal Year 2023, and include:
- Birmingham/Bessemer
- Dothan
- Huntsville
- Mobile
- Montgomery
Eligible conservation practices through this initiative include those that promote soil health, reduce erosion, and lessen nutrient runoff, such as cover crops, nutrient and pest management, and Seasonal High Tunnels.
“As American agriculture continues to grow in new directions, NRCS conservation assistance will grow along with it.” said Ben Malone, State Conservationist. “This initiative will build off of work done previously in the Birmingham area and allow us to expand and target the delivery of our conservation efforts to more of our growing number of urban producers across the state.”
NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but applications are ranked and funded by enrollment periods that are set locally. Applications signed and submitted to NRCS for this program by the Monday, May 15, 2023 deadline will be evaluated for fiscal year 2023 funding.
Contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center to determine whether your operation is located within the project boundaries.