Take Action Now
If you’d like to engage in advocacy on behalf of farmers and food workers, do something tangible, or explore resources for policy efforts in urban agriculture, you are in the right place.
USDA AND FSA - tell congress to SECURE pre-approved funding
Farm School NYC's cooperative agreement with the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which is within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), aims to increase awareness around tools and resources available to beginning farmers, report on the gaps experienced by urban producers when seeking federal funding or services, and distribute a round of micro grants to established urban growers to support their projects.
Currently, this funding is under review for possible termination by the federal government despite Congressional approval in 2018. We need your voice to remind Congress of the importance of these funds for us, 26 other cooperators, urban agriculture communities, and small farmers across the country. Actions below!
For information on Executive Orders, Federal Funding Freeze, litigation, and ongoing impacts, please see 2025 Federal Funding Resources here!
Use a script to call your elected officials and advocate for retention of all pre-approved funding for farmers and food workers.
See a compiled list of resources below that provide information and data on why this funding is critical to our work.
Check out these actions for immediate impact:
Honor Farmer Contracts Act Info & Petition to Lift the Funding Freeze Now
Protect the Consumer Financial Protections Bureau (CFPB) Petition
Call Script & Instructions: Protect Organic Farmers & the USDA National Organic Program! - NOFA-NY
Call on Congress to protect organic and climate-smart farming! - NOFA-NY
Protect Organic Farmers & the USDA National Organic Program! - NOFA-NY
Fill out our Listening Session Survey by April 30, 2025!
Are you an urban grower? Have you looked into or applied to federal funding opportunities? Do you have interest in applying to grants or loans within the USDA?
Farm School NYC is reporting on the gaps experienced by urban producers when seeking federal funding or services. We invite you to share your feedback in order to improve the coordination and effectiveness of Federal programs and services for agriculture in urban areas. The purpose of receiving feedback is to:
to share FSA programs and how FSA Urban Services Centers may meet the needs of urban growers
hear from urban farmers, growers and land stewards about their experiences, recommendations and feedback about the FSA to include in a report that will be shared with FSA in Summer 2025
Organizations & Data Resources
National Young Farmers Coalition Action Center || Take Action - HEAL Food Alliance || Join our Policy Action Network - RAFI
Sign up for Equity Advocates and Hunger Solutions NY newsletter to receive NY specific policy updates and advocacy alerts
National Council of Nonprofits - Everyday Advocacy || lawsuit to restore funding || Listen for advocacy advice for 501c3’s
CBPP's briefs on impact of Federal Budget || FRAC NYS Fact Sheet on impact of Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) cuts
Farm Bill 2025
The Farm Bill is a critical piece of legislation that houses a large portion of agriculture and food related initiatives, including SNAP EBT and important programs. In 2024, Congress did not agree on an updated bill and it is now slated for a later date. Check out our Farm Bill 101 Info Session [Passcode: W.r2XJ8m] for a deeper dive into its importance, what you can do to keep this legislation, and where the funding goes.
Reach out to your reps to encourage a strong and equitable Farm Bill!
2023 Farm Bill One Pager | 2023 Farm Bill Email Script | 2023 Farm Bill Call Script
Call these NYS reps for the Farm Bill:
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand - (202) 224-4451
Rep. Marc Molinaro - (202) 225-5441
Nick Langworthy - (202) 225-3161
Get involved and learn more:
Equity Advocates Food For the Spirit and Black Farmers United Campaign