Financing

The cost of starting and maintaining an urban farm varies widely depending on the size, location, and purpose of the farm. Community residents running a community garden may need approximately $1 per square foot per year over five years for soil, seeds, soil testing, basic turkey wire fence, and initial cleanup, assuming volunteer labor and a free water source. Other farming operations can be much more costly to start.It is often difficult to recruit banks to invest in start-up loans or other capital needs necessary to get a larger-scale urban farm operating, and smaller-scale farmers often need assistance as well. Donated supplies and grants from foundations or individuals, along with government-based grant and loan programs, can provide assistance with initial infrastructure investment and in some cases ongoing operating support as well. See the section on grants and low-interest loans in the policy section of this tool for more details on government supports. For additional funding resources, see the American Community Gardening Association’s funding opportunities page.