USDA updates aid urban agricultural growth

Flexibility added to USDA's urban farm reports

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made strategic updates to the acreage reporting process through its Farm Service Agency (FSA), aimed at improving accessibility for urban and innovative agricultural producers to federal agricultural programs.

Zach Ducheneaux, FSA Administrator, emphasized the benefits of these updates, stating, “Through USDA’s urban agriculture initiative and the opening of USDA offices within urban settings, our Farm Service Agency offices are more frequently engaging with urban and innovative producers.” These updates ensure a more straightforward and reflective reporting process for the diverse operations of modern urban farmers.

The adjustments allow for acreage reporting down to .000001 acre, or approximately a 2.5-inch square, facilitating accurate documentation for small and urban agricultural operations. This granular level of reporting is crucial for urban producers who utilize limited space for high-density, innovative planting methods.

The enhancements also recognize different urban farming techniques, including vertical and multi-level farming within controlled environments like buildings or container systems. This recognition is crucial for differentiating the unique practices prevalent in urban agricultural settings from traditional farming methods.

These improvements are part of a broader USDA initiative to integrate urban and innovative production more seamlessly into the national agricultural landscape. 

By doing so, the USDA acknowledges the evolving nature of agriculture, which increasingly includes urban settings and technologically advanced production methods.

The initiative also includes the development of Urban Service Centers and significant funding allocations for urban agriculture, underscoring the USDA’s commitment to supporting a diverse range of agricultural practices and ensuring that all producers have equitable access to federal support and resources.