What Are the Next Steps to Getting Small-Scale and Urban Farmers Recognized as Legitimate Producers?
What Are the Next Steps to Getting Small-Scale and Urban Farmers Recognized as Legitimate Producers?
The face of farming is changing. Gone are the days when agriculture was solely defined by vast rural landscapes and large-scale commodity crops. Today, small-scale and urban farmers are growing fresh, local food in backyards, rooftops, community gardens, and vacant lots. Despite their contributions to food security, economic development, and sustainability, many of these farmers struggle to gain recognition as legitimate producers. Without access to the same resources, funding, and policy support as traditional farmers, small-scale and urban growers remain at a disadvantage.
So, what are the next steps to ensure these innovative farmers are recognized, supported, and integrated into the broader agricultural system?
1. Advocate for Inclusive Agricultural Policies
Many agricultural policies were written with large, rural farms in mind, leaving small-scale and urban growers out of crucial funding and support programs. Changing this requires a concerted effort to:
Expand the definition of “farmer” in federal and state agriculture programs.
Push for zoning reforms that allow urban agriculture in more areas.
Advocate for small-scale farmers to be included in agricultural subsidies, grants, and disaster relief programs.
Encourage municipalities to create land-use policies that prioritize urban farming over commercial development.
2. Increase Access to Land and Secure Growing Spaces
One of the biggest challenges for small and urban farmers is access to land. Many farm on leased lots or temporary spaces, making it difficult to build long-term, sustainable businesses. Potential solutions include:
Creating land banks that allocate vacant public land for farming.
Establishing long-term lease programs that give urban farmers stability.
Encouraging cities to incorporate urban agriculture into community development plans.
Offering tax incentives to private landowners who lease land to small farmers.
3. Strengthen Support Networks and Cooperative Models
Recognition starts with strong networks that amplify the voices of small-scale farmers. By forming cooperatives and advocacy groups, urban farmers can gain bargaining power, share resources, and collectively push for legislative change.
Effective Strategies:
Establish local and regional urban farming alliances.
Join cooperative distribution models to help small farmers reach larger markets.
Organize farmer-led advocacy campaigns to influence policy decisions.
Partner with food justice organizations to strengthen community impact.
4. Expand Funding and Grant Opportunities
Traditional farmers have access to a variety of grants, loans, and government assistance programs, but these opportunities are often out of reach for small-scale and urban growers due to restrictive eligibility requirements.
Action Steps:
Push for micro-grants tailored to small and urban farms.
Work with local governments to set aside funding for community-based agriculture.
Advocate for simplified application processes that make funding more accessible.
Encourage private investors and nonprofits to invest in small-scale agriculture initiatives.
5. Educate Consumers and Policymakers About the Value of Small-Scale Farming
Many people still perceive farming as a rural endeavor, and policymakers often fail to recognize the impact that urban and small-scale farmers have on food access and economic resilience.
Ways to Change the Narrative:
Host farm tours and open houses to showcase the importance of urban agriculture.
Engage in social media campaigns to educate the public on the benefits of small-scale farming.
Provide data and success stories to policymakers, demonstrating the economic and social impact of urban agriculture.
Partner with local schools to incorporate urban farming into education programs.
"Small-scale farmers are at the heart of a sustainable food future. The more we advocate, educate, and collaborate, the closer we get to full recognition and support for urban and local farmers." — Karen Gordon, Co-founder, Growing Augusta
6. Push for Representation in Agricultural Committees and Leadership Roles
Small and urban farmers need a seat at the table when agricultural decisions are made. Without representation in local, state, and federal agricultural committees, their needs will continue to be overlooked.
How to Make This Happen:
Encourage small-scale farmers to apply for positions on agricultural boards and advisory committees.
Build coalitions that advocate for urban agriculture at policy meetings.
Work with universities and extension programs to integrate urban farming into agricultural education and research.
7. Develop Stronger Market Connections and Certification Programs
Many small and urban farmers struggle to enter larger markets due to restrictive certification requirements and lack of distribution channels.
Potential Solutions:
Simplify organic and sustainable farming certification processes for small-scale farmers.
Create dedicated farmers’ markets and CSA programs for urban growers.
Establish direct-to-institution partnerships with schools, hospitals, and restaurants.
Support local food hubs that aggregate products from small-scale farmers to supply larger markets.
The Future of Farming is Diverse and Inclusive
The path to full recognition for small-scale and urban farmers requires policy reform, financial investment, consumer awareness, and farmer-led advocacy. By continuing to push for inclusivity, these farmers can gain the legitimacy they deserve and help shape a more sustainable, resilient food system for all.
Join the Movement
Are you passionate about supporting small-scale and urban farmers? Want to connect with other advocates and change-makers? Join the conversation at Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency and be part of a community dedicated to the future of farming!