Urban farming has been on the rise in many cities, including Albuquerque, where individuals like Clarence Hogue have started farms to help families in need. During the pandemic, Hogue founded the Indigenous Farm Hub in Corrales, supplying around 40 types of vegetables to the local community through a Community Supported Agriculture program. However, many urban growers like Hogue have not received much assistance in the past.
Addressing this issue, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making strides to support urban farmers with new Urban Service Centers across the country. One such center has recently opened in Albuquerque to assist city growers in developing sustainable farming plans and obtaining grants to enhance their operations.
Nickolas Goodman, the district conservationist at the USDA office in Albuquerque, expressed the need for better support for urban farmers, stating, "People have been having small gardens and small farms in urban areas for a long time now, but we just haven't really served them."
The new Urban Service Center in Albuquerque aims to provide guidance to anyone growing food for sale, regardless of scale. Their services include creating sustainable farming strategies, addressing issues like erosion and water depletion, and offering assistance in applying for grants, such as those for constructing hoop houses.
The center, located at 100 Sun Avenue Northeast, is already open to the public. Farmers interested in utilizing the services can call or make an appointment using the provided contact details.
In addition to the Urban Service Center, the USDA is hosting two business workshops at the same address on August 8 and 9. These workshops are designed to educate farmers on how to apply for grants, providing valuable information for those looking to further develop their urban farming ventures.
The USDA's investment in supporting urban farming aims to strengthen local communities, ensure food security, and promote sustainable agriculture practices within cities. As urban farming continues to grow in popularity, these resources will prove invaluable to individuals like Clarence Hogue and others striving to make a positive impact on their communities through agriculture.
