The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the availability of $900,000 for local governments to host a Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction pilot project this year.

The agreements will support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. The agreements are offered through USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.

USDA will accept applications on grants.gov until midnight June 26. Projects should span two years with a start date of Oct. 1 and an end date of Sept. 29, 2022.

Agreements support projects that generate compost; increase access to compost for agricultural producers; reduce reliance and limit the use of fertilizer; improve soil quality; increase rainwater absorption; reduce municipal food waste; and divert food waste from landfills.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide assistance for conservation related activities.

A webinar, which will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. June 4, will provide an overview of the agreements’ purpose, project types, eligibility and basic requirements for submitting an application. Information on how to register and participate in the webinar or listen to the recording will be posted a farmers.gov/manage/urban/opportunities.

Questions may be sent to [email protected].