KariDesign | AdobeStock
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the availability of up to $9.5 million for compost and food waste reduction pilot projects for the fiscal year 2023. The cooperative agreements support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost and food waste reduction plans. They are part of USDA’s broader efforts to support urban agriculture.
The USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP), led by its Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will accept applications until June 15. Projects should span two years, starting Dec. 1 through Dec. 1, 2025.
Related: USDA invests $9.4M in compost and food waste reduction projects
“These cooperative agreements support communities in their efforts to reduce and divert food waste from landfills,” says NRCS Chief Terry Cosby. “These projects will empower communities to reduce waste and support agricultural producers through increased access to compost to improve soil health on their operations.”
Cooperative agreements support projects led by local governments or other eligible entities 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.
OUAIP says it will prioritize projects that anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits, incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to farmers or integrate other food waste strategies, including food recovery efforts and collaborate with multiple partners. Additional details are available on the agency’s website.
This is the third year that OUAIP has offered this funding opportunity. Last year, the Interior Alaska Food Waste Reduction and Education Initiative in Fairbanks, Alaska, received funds to support a free backyard composting program, distribution of educational materials and various workshops that appeal to compost beginners, including students.
Meanwhile, the Moving Towards Zero Waste: Expanding Food Waste Diversion and Composting project in Providence, Rhode Island, is subsidizing training and supplies for backyard composting, developing a public education campaign focused on the benefits of food waste diversion and driving participation in locally available food waste diversion services.
The OUAIP was established through the 2018 Farm Bill. It is led by NRCS and works in partnership with numerous USDA agencies that support urban agriculture and innovative production. The grants are part of a broad USDA investment in urban agriculture.
Latest from Waste Today
- US Composting Council grant will fund data collection
- Enviri releases annual ESG report
- Waste Connections enjoys income, revenue boosts
- Machinex recognized as Recycling Equipment Innovator of the year
- WM announces solid Q2 growth
- Reworld partners with Genpact
- Waste Pro earns favorable financing rating
- Amberjack announces exit from investment in Best Trash
