Rep. Cleaver Applauds USDA’s Designation of Kansas City as Urban Agricultural Hub
(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) applauds the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of Kansas City as an Urban Agricultural Hub, paving the way for a USDA established Urban Service Center in Kansas City to meet the needs of urban agricultural producers—including farmers, livestock producers, and gardeners—through funding, education, outreach, and technical assistance.
Leveraging $40 million in American Rescue Plan funds, the USDA established 17 pilot Urban Service Areas to offer farm loans, conservation, disaster assistance, and risk management programs to urban producers. Building on the success of the first 17 pilot Urban Agricultural Hubs, today’s announcement expands the USDA’s Urban County Committees to ten additional cities, including Kansas City.
“This incredible opportunity, thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, demonstrates a commitment to fostering new economic prospects for folks right here in our community,” said Congressman Cleaver. “USDA’s designation of Kansas City as an urban agricultural hub is a critical component of fulfilling the entire SAMPLE Corridor project I announced last year. For the SAMPLE Corridor and urban producers, this designation opens doors to new ways of tackling sustainability and strengthening food systems right here in our own backyard.”
“The announcement from USDA Secretary Vilsack brings new and exciting opportunities for Kansas City urban agriculture,” said Missouri State Conservationist, Scott Edwards. “The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can now begin planning to open an Urban Service Center with urban conservationist committed to working with farms of all sizes in Kansas City.”
The USDA’s official announcement can be found here.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.