CDFA ACCEPTING PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR 2023 URBAN AGRICULTURE GRANT PROGRAM’S REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

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SACRAMENTO, June 1, 2023 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) announces it is seeking public comment for the 2023 Urban Agriculture Grant Program’s request for applications (RFA). The RFA is open to public comment from 8 a.m. PT June 1, 2023, until 5 p.m. PT June 15, 2023.

The California Budget Act of 2021 included a $6.2 million, one-time General Fund allocation for CDFA-F2F to develop the Urban Agriculture Grant Program. 

The 2023 Urban Agriculture Grant Program funds competitive grants to programs and projects that enhance the viability of agriculture in urban areas across California. CDFA is setting aside up to 10% of awards for Tribal governments and Tribal-based non-profit organizations. Applicants may only apply to one track of the two tracks available.

Track 1: Systems Builder Community-Based Block Grant provides funding to community-based organizations (CBOs) with grassroots involvement in urban and regional food systems planning. Funding is available to increases staff capacity for organizations to provide pass-through funds to urban agriculture stakeholders in their region. Pass-through funds will be subawards ranging from $5K-$60k. Eligible CBOs will administer subawards to urban agriculture stakeholders in their region. At least one CBO within each urban region of CA will receive an award, and at least one CBO with statewide reach will receive funding. Regions include: Sacramento (Sacramento, Stockton), Bay Area (Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose),  Fresno (Fresno, Bakersfield), LA (Los Angeles), San Diego (San Diego) and Statewide.

Track 2: Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant directly funds urban agriculture projects for Native American Tribes, for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations that are led by or serve underserved communities located in urban areas. Expenditures related to infrastructure, equipment, supplies, technical assistance, workforce development and community engagement are allowable.

Two live information sessions will be held to provide an overview of the RFA and allow time for questions and public comments. The live information sessions are 1-2:30 p.m. PT June 6, 2023, and 9-10:30 a.m. PT June 12, 2023. The RFA and registration for the Zoom information sessions may be viewed on the Urban Agriculture Grant Program webpage. 

Stakeholders may submit comments during the live information sessions or by email to caurbanag@cdfa.ca.gov. Please include “Urban Agriculture Stakeholder Comments” in the email subject line and please specify which funding track each comment is regarding in the email body.

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