Grow Local Food Production

Helping urban farmers start or grow urban agriculture businesses

A woman is standing in a field holding a melon.

Our

Mission

Growing Urban Farmers is a USDA-NRCS grant-funded program at St. Joseph's Center of Arkansas, which is aimed at increasing local food production in our area by assisting those interested in becoming urban farmers or starting an urban agriculture business.

A woman is sitting in a field of purple flowers.

Our Focus

Teachers

We are creating a statewide resource of teachers and mentors in all areas of agriculture.

Training

We can match you to the right education programing to get you started farming.

Tools

We help with financial, marketing, human resources, and all the tools needed to run your farm, even a tractor.

Take Action

Help us by completing our survey

Complete Our Survey

Support Organizations

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Website: USDA FSA

Description:

The FSA provides a range of financial services to small farms, helping them manage risk and maintain financial stability.

Services Offered:

• Farm Loans: Provides direct and guaranteed loans to help farmers purchase land, equipment, and operating expenses.

• Disaster Assistance: Offers financial relief for losses due to natural disasters, including droughts, floods, and hurricanes.

• Conservation Programs: Supports farmers in implementing conservation practices on their land.

• Payment Limits: Helps small farms navigate farm payment limits and eligibility.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Website: USDA NRCS

Description:

The NRCS works with farmers to protect and conserve natural resources, offering technical assistance and financial support for conservation practices.

Services Offered:

• Conservation Technical Assistance: Provides expert guidance on soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat management.

• Cost-Share Programs: Helps fund projects that improve environmental sustainability (e.g., erosion control, water management).

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Offers financial incentives to implement conservation practices on working lands.

• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Supports farmers who adopt comprehensive conservation practices across their operations.

University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

Website: UofA Extension

Description:

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers research-based support for farmers to help improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

Services Offered:

• Educational Programs: Provides workshops, courses, and online resources on a variety of farming topics, including crop production, livestock management, and sustainable practices.

• Technical Assistance: Offers individualized advice on farm management, pest control, irrigation, and soil health.

• Farm Business Development: Provides guidance on business planning, financial management, and marketing strategies.

• Soil Testing & Nutrient Management: Offers soil testing services and advice on managing soil fertility for better crop yields.

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)

Website: NCAT

Description:

NCAT provides technical assistance, training, and support for small farmers and ranchers to adopt sustainable agriculture practices.

Services Offered:

• Sustainable Agriculture Resources: Offers publications, webinars, and technical tools on topics like soil health, pest management, and energy efficiency.

• On-Farm Assistance: Provides one-on-one support to help farmers adopt sustainable practices, improve profitability, and reduce environmental impacts.

• ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas): A service that offers resources on sustainable farming techniques and technologies.

• Training Programs: Hosts workshops, conferences, and webinars to educate farmers on sustainable practices and business development.

Schools - Programs - Videos

University of Arkansas Center for Arkansas Farms & Food (CAFF)

Website: UofA CAFF School

Description:

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers a variety of educational programs aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of farmers. Their programs cover everything from crop production to sustainable farming practices.

Programs Offered:

• Farm Education: Provides courses and a 10 week program on crop management and sustainable farming.

• Workshops & Seminars: Offers in-person and online workshops on topics like soil health, pest management, and business development.

• Youth and Beginning Farmer Programs: Offers training and resources for young and beginner farmers to get started in agriculture.

• Online Learning: Access to free and paid online courses and webinars on agricultural topics.

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Small Farmer and Rancher Program

Website: UAPB Small Farmer and Rancher Program

Description:

UAPB’s Small Farmer and Rancher Program offers education and technical assistance to small-scale farmers and ranchers, particularly in underserved communities. They focus on helping farmers improve productivity, sustainability, and financial viability.

Programs Offered:

• Workshops and Training: Focuses on sustainable agriculture practices, including soil management, livestock production, and organic farming.

• Business Development Support: Offers assistance in farm business planning, marketing, and accessing financing.

• Youth Education Programs: Provides programs to engage youth in farming and agriculture-related careers.

• Technical Assistance: Provides one-on-one support for farmers with questions on operations, sustainability, and profitability.

Heifer USA YouTube Library

Website: Heifer USA YouTube Library

Description:

Heifer USA’s YouTube channel hosts an extensive library of videos designed to educate farmers and ranchers on sustainable agricultural practices. The content focuses on both small-scale and sustainable farming methods.

Programs Offered:

• Sustainable Farming Practices: Features videos on topics such as regenerative agriculture, soil health, and water management.

• Farmer Success Stories: Showcases how small farmers around the U.S. have implemented sustainable practices to improve their livelihoods.

• Animal Husbandry: Offers videos on caring for livestock, including breeding, feeding, and health management.

• Farm Business Management: Provides advice on building a farm business, including marketing, finance, and managing farm operations.

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) – Armed to Farm Program

Website: Armed to Farm

Description:

The Armed to Farm Program, offered by NCAT, is designed to provide military veterans with hands-on training in sustainable farming practices. The program is tailored to help veterans transition to farming and agricultural careers.

Programs Offered:

• Hands-On Farming Training: A week-long training that includes farm tours, demonstrations, and discussions on sustainable farming techniques.

• Mentorship: Veterans are paired with experienced farmers to receive mentorship and support as they start or expand their farming careers.

• Business Development: Provides guidance on creating and managing a farm business, including marketing and financial planning.

• Networking: Helps veterans connect with other veterans in agriculture and with farming communities nationwide.

Documents, Guides, Suppliers

Manuals & Papers