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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!

  1. For information on Executive Orders, Federal Funding Freeze, litigation, and ongoing impacts, please see 2025 Federal Funding Resources here!

  2. Use a script to call your elected officials and advocate for retention of all pre-approved funding for farmers and food workers.

  3. See a compiled list of resources below that provide information and data on why this funding is critical to our work.

  4. Check out these actions for immediate impact:

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


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!

Get involved and learn more: