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Urban Agriculture

CDA's Urban Agriculture program focuses on supporting agricultural producers in and around Colorado's communities as they work to create local food systems and networks. 

The goals of CDA's Urban Ag program are:

  1. Supporting and uplifting urban producers in providing access to fresh, local agricultural products for their communities
  2. Connecting urban producers with existing resources
  3. Conserving natural resources on urban farms

Closeup of a woman harvesting vegetables with the words Urban Agriculture Program and the CDA logo

Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program

Grant purpose

CDA's Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program is designed to support small-scale projects that help urban producers build a more resilient and sustainable local food system.

This microgrant aims to support projects that:

  • Expand urban production.
  • Implement conservation practices.
  • Educate community members.
  • Address common challenges faced by urban producers.

Grant awards may not exceed $5,000.00 for a single entity application, and grants are paid on a reimbursement basis.

Applications are due Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8:00 am MT.

 

Apply for the Urban Ag Microgrant

Grant Timeline

  • January 7, 2026: Live Grant Guidelines Webinar
  • January 26, 2026, 8:00 am MT: Application Deadline
  • February 2026: Final Grant Selection by CDA
  • February 20, 2026: Notice of Award (Awardees will be notified of their award via email)
  • June 30, 2026: End of Grant Period

 

Who is eligible?

Eligible entities are focused on urban farms and ranches that are actively cultivating and distributing food to serve their local community. Both for-profit and non-profit entities can apply. 

Who does not qualify for this grant? Individual urban growers, hobbyists, homesteads, backyard subsistence gardens, equine facilities, community gardens, or institutions (schools, universities, hospitals, etc.).

View the Full Microgrant Guidelines

 

How to apply

Interested applicants must submit a complete grant application through a Google Form by the official deadline.

The full application must be submitted by Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8:00 am MT.

Applications will be reviewed by an evaluation committee of industry experts and state staff, who will make recommendations to the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture for final approval.

Apply for the Urban Ag Microgrant

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a match required for these grant projects?

  • No, there is no match required, however we do expect your budget to detail any match funds you plan to provide, if any. While no match is required, this information will help us quantify the impact of all awarded projects. 

Does the applicant need to own the land on which they want to implement a project? 

  • No. Ownership of the land is not necessary for eligibility.  

Can an applicant submit multiple project applications? 

  • A producer could submit multiple project ideas for their operation, or they could combine multiple projects under one application. 

What is considered an Urban Farm? 

  • For the purposes of this grant opportunity, urban farms include any agricultural operation located within or on the periphery of an urban, peri-urban, or rural population center, which is designed to serve the local community. These are typically small-scale and grow produce for direct to consumer or local retail or restaurant sale, while also sometimes serving as hubs for education and community building. 

What types of projects will be funded? 

  • This funding opportunity is intentionally open ended and is designed to meet the unique needs of each individual producer and their community. Applicants are encouraged to get creative and find innovative ways to put these small awards to work for their operations. Projects can range from the purchase or repair of a tool, expansion of growing space, joining a new farmer’s market, or planning a community event. 

Additional questions will be answered in this FAQ document

Contact Us

Emma Hardiman, Urban Agriculture Program Specialist
Phone: 720-751-1724

305 Interlocken Parkway
Broomfield, CO 80021