Article and photos: Dee Ann Littlefield, Public Relations Specialist, Henrietta, Texas
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently opened the doors to its new urban USDA Service Center at 3102 Maple Avenue in Dallas, Texas. Located in the heart of the “concrete jungle,” the office blends into the downtown urban environment and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
“It's important to us that we are where producers and consumers need us most,” said Laura Broyles, NRCS' assistant state conservation officer for field operations, who oversees the office. Ta. “Urban agriculture is a rapidly growing field and we want to help growers grow viable crops while conserving natural resources. We can educate them on innovation conservation practices that can maximize production within their territory.”
Urban farms are often container gardens, rooftop gardens, vertical gardens, community or backyard gardens, and other creative uses of space to grow fruits and vegetables.
“Many people think that urban farming is very different from traditional agriculture found in large fields in the countryside,” Broyles continued. “But the reality is that they are all still being farmed, and the conservation practices we recommend are very similar. Crop rotation, cover crops, irrigation water management, soil nutrient management, etc. are all still practiced on small farms. They are also practiced on large farms. These can have a positive impact on profits and improve crop yields.”
The new office will focus on supporting small farm production and conservation efforts in urban areas. This includes sustainable farming practices, access to financing and grants, technical assistance with crop and livestock management, advice on navigating local regulations and zoning requirements, and even local gardening organizations, farmers markets, A restaurant that buys locally sourced ingredients.
NRCS Urban Conservationist Michael Brooks and NRCS Engineer Michela Pryor work one-on-one with growers, providing technical assistance and Farm Bill program assistance, and participating in educational workshops. You can They will soon be joined by representatives from the Farm Service Administration, who will provide urban growers with information on starting, financing and protecting urban farms and gardens.
The opening of a new Department of Agriculture office in downtown Dallas marks a significant development for urban agricultural producers in Dallas County. Previously, producers in the area had to travel to the Arlington Department of Agriculture field office for assistance, which handled both large and small farming and ranching operations. But the new office in downtown Dallas specifically addresses the needs of urban agriculture.
This dedicated office recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities faced by urban agricultural producers. Urban agriculture often operates on a small scale and faces distinct challenges such as land availability, zoning regulations, and community involvement. By establishing a specialized office in downtown Dallas, USDA aims to provide targeted support and resources to address these specific needs.
This initiative reflects USDA's recognition of the growing importance of urban agriculture and the need to support and encourage its development. Urban agriculture not only contributes to local food production, but also fosters community engagement, improves access to fresh and healthy food options, and increases overall city resilience and sustainability. .
The opening of a Department of Agriculture office in downtown Dallas demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting urban agriculture and empowering producers in Tarrant and Dallas counties. By providing specialized support and resources, this office fosters the growth and success of small urban farming operations and contributes to the vitality and food security of the entire region.
