WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) welcomed the announcement in Cleveland today of more than $132,000 in federal financial assistance for Cuyahoga County urban farmers.  The Cleveland Seasonal High Tunnel Pilot Project was announced at a news conference held by Congresswoman Fudge with Dave White, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Congresswoman Fudge advocated for a pilot project that would assist urban farmers with funding to obtain Seasonal High Tunnel structures (commonly called hoop houses) to extend their growing season.  As developed by NRCS, the Cleveland pilot project will assist farmers in Cuyahoga County with the purchase and installation of high tunnels. It will also help to determine if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide use, keeping vital nutrients in the soil and increasing yields, while teaching urban farmers about production, avenues for marketing their local products, as well as providing on-site technical assistance from industry experts.  Chief White announced more than 50 applications were received in the initial round of funding through USDA’sKnow your Farmer, Know your Food Initiative.  To date, funding has been awarded to 22 individuals and entities in Cuyahoga County.

“The interest and participation from the Greater Cleveland area’s community members, urban farmers and partners in the Cleveland Seasonal High Tunnel Pilot Project has been tremendous. This project exemplifies NRCS’ commitment to increasing the availability of locally grown produce in urban areas in a conservation-friendly manner, while stimulating economic opportunities for urban farmers,” said Chief White.

"Urban farms are the victory gardens of our time.  They are an increasingly important resource to vanquish food deserts, urban blight, and obesity.  Improved access to locally grown fruits and vegetables can improve the quality of life especially for our most economically disadvantaged residents. Today's announcements demonstrate that our community's resolve to sustain urban agriculture and develop future generations of non-traditional farmers is receiving the recognition and support it deserves," said Congresswoman Fudge.   On behalf of all of my constituents, I am pleased to recognize the contributions of NRCS , the Farm Credit System, and the City of Cleveland."

At the news conference, Congresswoman Fudge also welcomed a joint presentation by AgriBank, CoBank and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America.  The agricultural lending institutions announced a joint $135,000 donation to support beginning urban farmers through the City of Cleveland’s “Gardening for Greenbacks” program.   The Farm Credit donation, presented to Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Congresswoman Fudge at the event, will fund grants of up to $5,000 to acquire equipment such as tools, irrigation equipment and fencing.  Grant recipients are required to successfully complete a market gardener training class and to sell their produce locally.

“Our thanks go to Representative Fudge for her support of urban agriculture and local foods,” said Bill Patterson, board member for Farm Credit Mid-America.  “The City of Cleveland is really at the forefront of the urban farming movement.  Through Gardening for Greenbacks they are introducing agriculture to a new generation of farmers who will make a real difference in their communities and we are proud to support this effort.”

“Cleveland is home to the largest Urban Agriculture District in the country.  We have managed to help set-up community gardens, Farmer’s markets, urban farms and market gardens in and around the city’s food deserts- creating greater access to healthy and local foods,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson.  “Congressional, community and private sector involvement and commitment are key to our continued success with creating greater access to local foods.  Funding of the expansion of Hoop Houses will extend the growing season thus giving our residents extended access to healthier food choices.”

The news conference concluded with details of a $40,000 USDA-NRCS grant recently awarded to Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) for an Outreach Youth Project to run in the coming year.  Tri-C Metro Campus President Dr. Michael Schoop presented details of the project that is available to students who are interested in agriculture.  Supported by Congresswoman Fudge, the project includes training students to develop business skills, gain practical knowledge in food handling and safety, and learn how to price produce for market. 

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