USDA accepting grant applications for community compost and food waste reduction projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that up to $2 million is available for local governments to host Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction pilot projects for fiscal 2021.
The cooperative agreements support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost and food waste reduction plans, according to a news release.
USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production will accept applications on grants.gov until July 16, 11:59 p.m. Eastern, according to the release. Projects should span two years starting Sept. 25, 2021, until Sept. 25, 2023.
Details
Cooperative agreements support projects led by local governments that:
• Generate compost;
• Increase access to compost for agricultural producers;
• Reduce reliance on and limit the use of fertilizer;
• Improve soil quality;
• Encourage waste management and permaculture business development;
• Increase rainwater absorption;
• Reduce municipal food waste; and
• Divert food waste from landfills.
The release said priority will be given to projects that anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits; incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to farmers, including community gardeners; collaborate with multiple partners; and integrate other food waste strategies, including food recovery efforts.
A pre-recorded webinar provides an overview of the purpose, project types, eligibility, and basic requirements for applying. The webinar will be posted at farmers.gov/urban.
Send questions about this cooperative agreement opportunity to UrbanAgriculture@usda.gov.
