USDA Providing Funds to Communities for Compost and Food Waste Reduction

Thursday, May 20th, 2021 -- 8:00 AM

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the availability of up to $2 million for local governments to host Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction pilot projects for fiscal year 2021.

The cooperative agreements support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans and they are part of USDA’s broader efforts to support urban agriculture.

USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Office will accept applications on Grants.gov until midnight on July 16th. Projects should span two years with a start date of September 25, 2021 and completion date of September 25, 2023.

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.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide assistance for conservation related activities. Priority will be given to projects that anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits, incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to farmers, including community gardeners, integrate other food waste strategies, including food recovery efforts and collaborate with multiple partners.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.