JEFFERSON CITY – State Senator Justin Brown, R-Rolla, encourages nonprofits looking to address food shortages in major cities to apply for USDA Urban Farming Grants by the date July 30 limit. Organizations involved in agricultural projects in communities of 2,500 or more residents may be eligible for grants of up to $ 500,000.

USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Grants Program makes up to $ 4 million available to support community gardens, rooftop farms, greenhouses, hydroponic facilities and many other projects that improve access to food in urban areas. Grants are available for nonprofit organizations that partner with other entities to increase food supply in underserved areas. For-profit businesses and individual farmers and gardeners are not eligible, although they may be considered partners.

“Many organizations want to improve access to healthy food in urban communities, but they often lack the resources to meet the needs,” said Senator Justin Brown. “A USDA grant could potentially make the difference between residents of these communities having access to healthy food or suffering from hunger. “

Grants of $ 200,000 to $ 500,000 are available for planning projects, which initiate or build on efforts to increase food availability. Implementation grants range from $ 100,000 to $ 300,000 and are aimed at accelerating existing projects. UAIP grant money can be used to fund production costs, construction of facilities, labor, and rental of specialized equipment, among other eligible expenses. No cost sharing or matching funds are required.

For more information on subsidies for urban agriculture and innovative production, visit www.farmers.gov/urban or contact a local USDA service center.

For more information on Senator Brown, visit www.senate.mo.gov/brown.