Urban Agriculture
The Conservation Partnership can help urban farmers accomplish their production and conservation goals in many ways; we provide:
- Technical assistance with irrigation, pollination, pest control and development of habitat including cover crops or hedgerows.
- Information on best practices.
- Workshops on a variety of issues related to urban agriculture.
- Identification of potential sources of funding for conservation-related projects.
- Mini-Grants that provide up to $2,500 in funding for water, soil, or habitat improvements while also enhancing potential food production
Free Technical Assistance
Technical assistance is the sharing of information and skills by experts in issues related to farming in an urban environment. Our urban ag technical assistants have experience working with urban farms and gardens in Alameda County. They can help you with irrigation management, rainwater catchment, composting, cover crop selection, weed management, habitat development, and more! They are available to provide assistance. Contact Colleen Hotchkiss to learn more or schedule a site visit.
Urban Farms Conservation Mini-Grants Program – Applications Due September 30, 2024.
Urban farms are incredibly important to Alameda County – they increase access to fresh produce for underserved communities, offer educational opportunities, and create islands of habitat in the built landscape. However, finding funding for projects that enhance their productivity and improve their conservation measures can be challenging. The Alameda County Conservation Partnership, a collaboration between the Alameda County Resource Conservation District (ACRCD) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), created the Urban Farms Mini-Grant Program in 2015 in partnership with UC Cooperative Extension’s Urban Ag & Food Systems Program to provide financial and technical support to producers in Alameda County. We offer grants of up to $2,500 to help support local urban agriculture through the implementation of conservation practices. To learn more, or to apply, please see our Funding Opportunities page.
Increase Land Access & Market Capital Project
Recognizing the critical role of agriculture in community well-being and economic empowerment, ACRCD is collaborating with several agency partners to develop an innovative initiative to address the challenge of limited access to land for urban and peri-urban farmers. The project aims to establish long-term agricultural lease agreements on publicly owned land, providing stability and opportunity for farmers. By providing extend lease terms of 5-10 years, the initiative incentivizes investment in infrastructure, soil health, and community development, aligning with broader efforts to promote food sovereignty and ecological sustainability. Through ongoing evaluation and stakeholder engagement, the initiative seeks to foster a vibrant ecosystem of urban agriculture, enhancing food security, economic vitality, and environmental resilience in Alameda County.
With a focus on equity and inclusivity, the initiative will pilot long-term leases on municipal land in Alameda County with an aim to initially accommodate 2-4 farming operations, with potential for further expansion. This transformative endeavor not only addresses the immediate challenges of land access but also lays the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable future, where farmers thrive and communities flourish in the urban landscape of Alameda County.
Primary Contact
Partners
University of California Cooperative Extension
Links
