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.
Food insecurity* is an everyday reality for many in urban and small communities across the United States. In 2023, 18 million households were food insecure at some time during the year, making up 13.5% of households nationwide, according to data from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS). Arkansas had the highest percentage of food insecure households in the country at 18.9%. Many low-income communities lack grocery stores and access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The prevalence of convenience stores and fast food franchises results in highly processed foods with low nutritional value. Community gardens, farmers markets, and local produce stands can make a big impact in increasing healthy food availability.
*Food insecurity means that households were, at times, unable to acquire adequate food for one or more household members because they had insufficient money and other resources for food.
Data source: Household Food Security in the United States in 2023. https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/109896/err-337.pdf?v=7226.1
Building Healthy Communities
Urban farmers are addressing food access issues by growing healthy foods for their communities. Urban farms empower people to solve hunger and poverty issues within their community by changing the way people look at what and how they eat; providing jobs and skills training and beautifying and unifying neighborhoods. Many farms also teach citizens how to prepare fresh ingredients for healthy meals.
Conserving our Resources
Urban farmers practice conservation – they convert food waste into healthy soils by composting, minimize storm water runoff by capturing rainwater, save energy costs that would otherwise be used for long-distance transportation of food items, and create more green space in the city.
Growing in Size
Today, 15 percent of the world’s food is grown in urban areas according to ERS. With most of the world’s population residing in cities, this statistic will likely continue to increase. Urban agriculture is part of the rising local food movement aimed at reducing the distance food must travel from farm to table.
Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Conservation Practices
High Tunnels
High tunnels extend the growing season and 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.
Managing Weeds and Pests
NRCS can help with pest management practices - advising on crop rotations and various types of mulches to reduce weeds and manage insects that harm crops.
Soil Health
NRCS can help urban farmers develop strategies for improving soil conditions tailored to a farm’s specific needs.
Irrigation and Water Management
NRCS develops irrigation water management plans to assist urban farmers. NRCS has provided financial assistance for conservation irrigation related practices on urban farms such as rainwater catchment, automation, pumps, pipelines and water-efficient drip irrigation systems to help reduce water use, soil erosion and maximize yields.
Pollinator Habitat
NRCS helps create pollinator plans to develop habitats that attract birds and beneficial insects, such as butterflies and bees, and improve plant health. Pollinator plantings provide habitat along with providing nectar as a food source contributing to a healthy ecosystem that is essential for farmers to grow food.
Compost Facility
Composting facilities transform organic waste into a soil amendment that improves soil health, provides slow-release plant-available nutrients, and suppresses plant disease.
Organic Farming
Organic farming is an ecologically-based system that relies on preventative practices for weed, insect and disease problems, uses nontoxic methods to manage problems if they arise, and improves the natural resources of the land, including soil and water quality. NRCS can help organic producers develop a conservation plan that meets their goals, and can often help with financial assistance to implement elements of the plan.
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/other-topics/organic
Mulching
Mulches are applied to the soil to conserve water, reduce erosion, suppress weeds, and maintain or increase soil organic matter. Natural mulches such as straw, hay, woodchips, and compost are widely used in production beds, and other areas on the farm.
USDA renewed the People’s Garden movement in 2022 to:
- Celebrate communities growing fresh, healthy food
- Support a resilient, local food system
- Teach people how to garden using sustainable practices
- Nurture habitat for pollinators and wildlife, and greenspace for neighbors
These gardens incorporate sustainable practices, many of which are rooted in conservation practices that NRCS helps farmers and ranchers with across the country. For example, read more on soil health and the importance of pollinators.
Brochure: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/Peoples%20Garden%20Brochure.pdf
Additional Documents and Resources
Websites:
- USDA Urban Agriculture
- NRCS Urban Agriculture
- USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
- USDA Small-Scale Producers
- Grants, Loans, and Other Support
National Fact Sheets and Documents:
Arkansas Fact Sheets:
Contacts
| Name | Position | Phone Number | |
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Katy Brantley
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State Urban Conservationist
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Xavier Price
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North AR Field Urban Conservationist
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Lucas Birriel
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South AR Field Urban Conservationist
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Kylan Williams
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Pulaski County Field Urban Conservationist
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