What does USDA mean by urban agriculture?
USDA uses the terms urban agriculture and innovative production to cover growing in and near cities, including community gardens, rooftop and indoor farms, hydroponics and similar methods. The Farmers.gov urban page describes available resources and how to connect with staff.
Definitions in specific programs can vary, so read each program page for what counts.
Because the field is changing quickly, expect to see new pilot programs and updated terms. Check back at the official pages before each growing season.
Where do I start?
Begin with the Farmers.gov urban page and then contact a USDA service center. USDA has set up urban service centers in some cities, staffed to work with urban growers. If there is none near you, your regular service center can still help.
Ask staff to set up a farm record for your operation. Many programs begin with that record, and for urban sites it may take extra steps to document the land or space you use.
Bring photos of your site, a simple sketch of the growing space and any lease or permission letter. Visual information helps staff who are used to rural field maps.
What kinds of support exist?
USDA has offered several types of support for urban growers over the years. These include competitive grants to organizations, support for urban agriculture planning, conservation assistance and crop reporting adjustments for non-traditional operations. Funding and program names change, so check the current program pages.
Many grants go to nonprofits, local governments and other organizations rather than to individual growers, so partnering with a local group can open doors.
Insurance and loan products may have rules about the production method and the location. Ask which ones accept urban and indoor operations.
- Urban service centers and local staff contacts
- Grants and cooperative agreements, often for organizations
- Conservation assistance such as high tunnels, where offered
- Farm loans and microloans, subject to eligibility
- Crop insurance options for small and diversified operations
How does acreage reporting work for small sites?
USDA has announced flexibility in how urban and innovative producers report, since small plots, containers and indoor space do not fit traditional field maps well. The details are in FSA's materials, and staff can explain how to report your space.
Ask your service center how to measure and map your growing area and how to describe your production method. Accurate reports protect your eligibility.
What are the challenges for city growers?
Land tenure is often the biggest. Many urban growers use leased, borrowed or city-owned land, and programs may require proof of control for a minimum period. Soil safety, water access, zoning and local permits also matter, and they are decided by local governments rather than USDA.
Talk with your city or county about zoning and permitted uses before you invest, and ask extension or a conservation district about soil testing.
Neighbors and landlords matter in a city. Good relationships and written agreements reduce conflict over water, noise, hours and shared space.
How can I improve my chances with a grant?
Read the notice and match your project to its purpose. Build partnerships with organizations that have grant experience, show community support and keep a clear budget. Be ready to report on results.
Start the required registrations early, and check every opportunity on official sites. Never pay a fee for a grant.
Collect letters of support from neighbors, schools, food pantries or local officials. They show that the project has community backing.
Questions to ask the service center
A short list guides the first meeting.
Ask also whether there is a local urban agriculture network. Peer support often gives faster answers than a website.
- Is there an urban service center or an urban contact near me?
- How do I establish a farm record for a small or non-traditional site?
- Which programs are open to individuals and which to organizations?
- How should I report my growing space?
- What proof of land control do programs require?
Key takeaways
- USDA uses urban agriculture and innovative production for city, rooftop, indoor and community growing.
- Start with the Farmers.gov urban page and your service center, and set up a farm record.
- Many grants go to organizations, so partnerships matter.
- Land control, zoning and soil safety are common hurdles to plan for.
- Check official pages for current programs and never pay for a promised grant.
Sources and official links
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Money & Grants Editorial Team. Educational only, not tax, legal or financial advice. See our editorial policy.