USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 2, 2021–The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of up to $4 million for grants to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects. USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production is accepting proposals for planning and innovation projects, and these grants are part of USDA’s broader efforts to support urban agriculture.

USDA Offers Assistance to Virgin Islands Producers Impacted by Drought

Christiansted, V.I. – June 24, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas livestock producers that they may be eligible for financial assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for 2021 grazing losses due to drought. The deadline to apply for 2021 assistance is Jan. 31, 2022.

USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic Producers

SAINT PAUL, Minn., May 15, 2023 –  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will cover up to 75% of the costs associated with organic certification, up to $750 per category, through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). The Minnesota Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages organic agricultural producers and handlers to apply for OCCSP by Oct. 31, 2023, for expenses incurred from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023. 

USDA Announces Dates for Conservation Reserve Program General and Grasslands Signups

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 14, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set a July 23, 2021, deadline for agricultural producers and landowners to apply for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup 56. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications for CRP Grasslands from July 12 to August 20. This year, USDA updated both signup options to provide greater incentives for producers and increase its conservation benefits, including reducing the impacts of climate change.