Compost and Food Waste Reduction Pilot Projects

Applications are due by June 15, 2023.
USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) is accepting applications for $9.5 million to support Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) pilot projects for fiscal year 2023. The cooperative agreements support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. Cooperative agreements will support two-year projects led by local governments or other eligible entities that accomplish the following: generate compost; increase access to compost for agricultural producers; reduce reliance on and limit the use of fertilizer; improve soil quality; encourage waste management and permaculture business development; increase rainwater absorption; reduce municipal food waste; and divert food waste from landfills. A pre-recorded webinar available online provides an overview of the cooperative agreements’ purpose, project types, eligibility and basic requirements for submitting applications.