VSU Extension’s Small Farm Outreach Program Garners Almost $4M in Funding to Bolster Urban Agriculture
SFOP's director, William Crutchfield, giving away boxes of fresh produce at the RVA Urban Ag Kickoff event.
Virginia Cooperative Extension's Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP), housed under Virginia State University College of Agriculture, secured close to $4 million in grants and sub-awards to tackle food insecurity. The initiative will connect urban farmers with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) representatives and resources.
The USDA FSA awarded SFOP two distinct grants:
1. A sum of approximately $3.25 million was allocated for the development of a National Urban Agricultural Program under the umbrella of the National Urban Innovative Community-Based Grant. This 4-year venture, set to launch in July 2023, intends to equip urban growers with the expertise needed to make the most of FSA's services.
2. In a collaborative effort, VSU-SFOP, Cornell University’s Small Farm Center (CU-SFC), and the USDA Farm Service Agency are initiating a National Urban Farmer Program, laying down evidence-backed best practices for states to shape their regional urban farmer programs.
SFOP's director, William Crutchfield, shed light on the transformative potential of this initiative for urban farmers, "This is a tremendous step forward to help urban farmers. They can now receive an FSA farm number which enables them to apply for FSA loans, buy crop insurance, accept EBT cards and more.”
In collaboration, VSU-SFOP and CU-SFC will enhance urban growers' knowledge of FSA's resources, help alleviate issues prevalent in food deserts and improve the FSA's service to urban farmers.[MRB6]
VSU-SFOP will guide the 17 Urban County Committees (UCOC) established by FSA, gauge the impact of FSA programs on urban farming, and formulate recommendations to foster increased participation.[MRB7]
The data-driven solutions to improve food access and security proposed by VSU-SFOP will significantly enhance community participation, uplift resident well-being and instill hope.
“We are elated,” said Crutchfield. “It is an honor to lead this national initiative that will help urban farmers and their communities thrive and will establish a model for all states to follow.”
Richmond, Va., which is about 20 miles away from the VSU campus, will house one of the UCOCs advised by VSU-SFOP, reinforcing SFOP's commitment to Virginia and the Greater Richmond area.
Dr. Robert N. Corley III, Virginia State University College of Agriculture’s dean/1890 Extension administrator, emphasized the institution's dedication, "We remain committed to our community."
An Urban Agriculture Initiative co-award of $750,000 each was granted to both VSU and Virginia Tech to work in unison. Together these land-grant universities will assist FSA in educating urban growers in Virginia about FSA services that could benefit their operations.
“VSU College of Agriculture is proud of the transformational leadership SFOP provides under the direction of William Crutchfield,” said Corley. “SFOP has long been a leader in Virginia. Being tapped to lead a national initiative further proves that ‘GREATER Happens Here.’ With SFOP taking on a national role in Urban Agriculture, I am confident that even greater is yet to come.”
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