Urban Agriculture Partnership & Outreach Program
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) have formed a partnership to build the capacity of local partners’ knowledge to develop and implement effective strategies in supporting producers in the building of a sustainable local food system. The partnership incorporates conservation and wise use and management of natural resources that is sustainable both for producers and the environment.
The goals of the partnership include connecting and engaging urban and rural local food segments to build a cohesive sustainable food system for S.D. that align with NRCS practices. The groups also will develop a variety of educational opportunities, resources and tools that increase the knowledge of industry partners and producers.
Both producers and NRCS employees are encouraged to attend a seminar hosted by SDSPA. The Specialty Producer Seminar will be held in February 2026 in Rapid City and Huron, SD. Each seminar day will bring industry experts over a variety of topics to one place.
SDSPA Support:
- Office hours for technical assistance via phone or email
- On-site technical advising during scheduled site visits
- Technical Guides
- Field Days and Farm Tours
- Webinars on current topics in urban agriculture
- Specialty Producer Seminars
- Building agriculture networks through partnerships in SD Farm to School, SDSU, VAADC, Travel SD, and NRCS.
About NRCS: Supporting America’s Working Lands
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is USDA’s primary private lands conservation agency through voluntary conservation programs. Born out of the troubled times of the Dust Bowl days in the 1930s, NRCS continues to help producers, soil and water conservation districts, and other partners protect and conserve natural resources. With approximately 2,300 Services Centers in communities nationwide, NRCS works side-by-side with producers in every state and territory. Through cost-share assistance and technical expertise, NRCS helps people make investments in their operations and local communities to keep working lands working, boost rural economies, increase the competitiveness of American agriculture, and improve the quality of our air, water, soils and habitat. NRCS is focused on the American farmer, especially those underserved by programs and those trying to break into new markets, like organics. NRCS is also placing a new priority in targeting producers in urban and suburban areas as well as small-scale and specialty crop growers across the nation.
NRCS helps people help the land.
- Mission: To deliver conservation solutions so agricultural producers can protect natural resources and feed a growing world.
- Vision: A world of clean and abundant water, healthy soils, resilient landscapes, and thriving agricultural communities through voluntary conservation.
Find your local NRCS Service Center and stop in for a visit today.
SDSPA Resources:
- SDSPA Urban Ag Website
- UMURAI Conference Website
- Facebook Page
- S.D. Agriculture Equipment & Tool Sharing Facebook Group
- Instagram Page
- YouTube Channel:
Program Contact:
605-681-6793
Program Flier- Urban Ag