Florida Agriculture Commissioner
Tallahassee, Fla. — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Energy announced the establishment of the Florida Urban and Community Farming Pilot Program. It provides support for urban and community farming projects to promote cleaner air, lower building heating and cooling costs, and provide additional stable, affordable and secure sources of fresh produce.
The projects funded by this pilot program will help reduce carbon dioxide, which can reduce utility costs in urban heat islands as well as provide a source of nutritious produce to areas that otherwise do not have access. A total of $500,000 in funding will be available for projects over a period of 24 months.
“Since taking office in 2019, my department has focused on thinking outside the box – finding creative ways to grow our agriculture industry, improve access to healthy food across the state, and promote clean energy. Investing in urban and community farming moves us towards all of those goals, furthering our commitment to innovation, equity, sustainable agriculture, economic development, and combating the climate crisis by building a clean energy future for all,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “I am excited to announce this program and look forward to seeing our communities literally grow together through these projects, helping to feed families in an innovative and sustainable way.”
Developed by the FDACS Office of Energy, this pilot program will provide funding to local governments, Florida School Boards, and community-based non-profit organizations that offer community gardening and/or food pantry programs to establish urban and community farming programs in densely populated communities and food deserts.
Application Submissions: To learn more or apply, click here to view the full Notice of Federal Funding Assistance (NOFA). Complete applications must be received by the FDACS Purchasing Office no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, August 31, 2021.