USDA Seeks Urban Ag Advisory Committee Members
Up Top Acres rooftop farm in Washington, DC
By Brian Filipowich
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it is seeking Members for an Urban Ag Advisory Committee. It is very important for the aquaponics community that individuals with knowledge of aquaponics are included on the Committee.
The Advisory Committee will help direct the USDA’s new Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. The Office’s Mission is to encourage and promote urban, indoor and other emerging agricultural practices, including community composting and food waste reduction.
If you have ideas for nominees that can represent aquaponics, please head to our Aquaponics Community Site and jump to USDA Urban Ag Advisory Committee topic for submissions.
The USDA states that it is:
“seeking members for a new advisory committee on urban agriculture, part of a broader effort to focus on the needs of urban farmers. The 12-person committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices as well as identify any barriers to urban agriculture.”
The Advisory Committee will be composed of:
Four agricultural producers (two agricultural producers in an urban area or urban cluster and two agricultural producers who use innovative technology).
Two representatives from an institution of higher education or extension program.
One representative of a nonprofit organization, which may include a public health, environmental or community organization.
One representative of business and economic development, which may include a business development entity, a chamber of commerce, a city government or a planning organization.
One individual with supply chain experience, which may include a food aggregator, wholesale food distributor, food hub or an individual who has direct-to-consumer market experience.
One individual from a financing entity.
Two individuals with related experience or expertise in urban, indoor and other emerging agriculture production practices, as determined by the Secretary.
Nominations are due March 5, 2021.
Read the USDA Press Release for the Urban Ag Advisory Committee.