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 currently closed

Urban farms are incredibly important to Almeda County – they provide food to areas or people in need, 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. Our mini-grant program, in partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts, Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and UC Cooperative Extension, is geared toward facilitating the installation of conservation practices that enhance soil and water quality as well as habitat on urban farms. We offer small grants of up to $2,500 to help support local urban ag. To learn more, or to apply, please see our Funding Opportunities page.

Primary Contact

Colleen Hotchkiss

Partners

University of California Cooperative Extension

National Association of Conservation Districts

Alameda County Flood Control & Water Conservation District

StopWaste

Links

Urban Ag Conservation Practices

UCCE’s Urban Ag Resources Page

Urban Farms
Urban Agriculture