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People gather on an urban farm on a sunny day in Iowa.

Iowa Urban Agriculture

NRCS serves all agriculture – large to small, conventional to organic, rural to urban. As American agriculture continues to grow in new directions, NRCS conservation assistance is growing along with it. By bringing cultivation and opportunity to both rural and urban areas, we address many needs.

NRCS can help provide valuable resources to small-scale and urban farmers in Iowa. Whether it be compost, irrigation or weed and pest management we have something to help you get started.

Urban agriculture is the cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products in urban and suburban areas. We can provide community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic facilities and more to small-scale farmers living in Iowa.

Assistance for Urban Farmers

High Tunnels
Volunteers build a high tunnel in a food desert neighborhood of Waterloo, Iowa.
NRCS can provide financial assistance for high tunnels, used to extend the growing season and to protect plants from harsh weather, air pollution and pests. By making local produce available for more months in the year, fewer resources are used to transport food to plates.
Soil Health
Lush rich soil with shovel
As experts in soil health, NRCS conservationists can advise urban growers on things like what cover crops to grow, using farmers’ soil tests and our soil surveys.
Weed and Pest Management
Weed Management
We can help with pest and weed management by planting buffers for beneficial insects, through mulching, using cover crops and various other means.
Irrigation
Microirrigation
We can help urban growers conserve water, by assisting with things like drip irrigation.

Ready to Get Started?

Starting an urban farm comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. NRCS can help with the challenges of conservation, and support urban farmers in their efforts to achieve local, healthy, sustainable food for their communities. Start by contacting your local NRCS Service Center.

In addition to NRCS, other USDA agencies, including the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Risk Management Agency, and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), offer programs and services to urban producers. To learn more: 

Additional Documents and Resources

5 Steps to Assistance (1.08 MB)
325 IA IR High Tunnel System 2015 (2.56 MB)
Farmers.gov Historically Underserved Factsheets (2.13 MB)
Microloans Fact Sheet 2019 (1.36 MB)
NRCS and Urban Agriculture Info Sheet (3.6 MB)
Urban Agriculture Resources (546 KB)

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.