Urban Agriculture Network

The goal of the Urban Agriculture Network is to provide a space to support people practicing, advocating for, or interested in urban agriculture in developing relationships with one another, running successful growing spaces, and advocating for policies that support urban agriculture efforts. This includes hosting an active listserv and regular skill share sessions on zoom.

One of the resources developed by and for the network is the MA Urban Agriculture Drive Folder, which includes notes and recordings from previous skill shares. The network holds skill shares on a regular basis and look forward to seeing you on zoom!

To join the network, or for more information please contact Emily Fidanza at [email protected]

Past Skill Share Examples

• Organizational Development & Strategic Planning – Explored shared leadership models and strategic planning at two Urban Ag organizations, Mill City Grows and The Food Project.
• Seed Ordering & Saving – Representatives from The Food Project and Urban Farming Institute shared about their experiences with seed ordering & saving.
• Grant Programs – Reviewed requests for proposals, application process, questions & answers, and more to help prepare grant applications.
• Youth Development – Discussed youth development models, meaningful youth employment, creating a sense of belonging, and more.

Resources

Funding for Urban Ag Organizations

• MDAR Urban Agriculture Grant
• MDAR Food Ventures Grant
• USDA Speciality Crop Block Grant

Policy and Advocacy Resources for Urban Ag Organizations

• The Collaborative’s municipal policy toolkit
• Healthy Food Policy Project policy database
• Zoning for Urban Agriculture
• Farmland Access in Urban Settings

Growing Resources for Urban Ag Organizations

• UMass, UConn, and UMaine soil testing labs
• Soul Fire in the City Lawn to Garden Guide

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