The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $9.5 million available for Compost and Food Waste Reduction pilot projects for 2023.
These cooperative agreements will "support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans," according to a March 16 news release. The agreements also are part of USDA's broader efforts to support urban agriculture.
"These cooperative agreements support communities in their efforts to reduce and divert food waste from landfills," NRCS Chief Terry Cosby said in the news release. "These projects will empower communities to reduce waste and support agricultural producers through increased access to compost to improve soil health on their operations."
USDA is looking for pilot projects that span two years – Dec. 1-Dec. 1, 2025. Cooperative agreements will be awarded for projects led by local governments or other eligible entities that generate compost, increase agricultural producers access to compost, reduce reliance on fertilizer, improve soil quality, encourage waste management and permaculture business development, increase rainwater absorption, reduce municipal food waste and divert food waste from landfills, the release reported.
Projects that anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits, make compost easily accessible to farmers, integrate other food waste strategies, collaborate with multiple partners and incorporate plans for food recovery efforts will be prioritized, according to the release.
Fiscal year 2023 is the third year the funding opportunity will be offered. Last year's funding recipients included the Interior Alaska Food Waste Reduction and Education Initiative in Fairbanks, Alaska, the release reported. The initiative received funds to support its free backyard composting program, as well as educational materials distribution and workshops aimed at to compost beginners, including students.
Applications are due June 15 and may be submitted to USDA's Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, led by NRCS, on the federal grants website, the release reported.
