Now Accepting Application for the Next City Agriculture Plan!
In partnership with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Food Well Alliance (FWA) works with city governments and residents in metro Atlanta to develop inclusive and equitable City Agriculture Plans. A City Agriculture Plan is a roadmap for a city to achieve its vision of creating a vibrant and sustainable community food system over the next 5-10 years. Designing a plan that connects communities and strengthens local food systems takes time, collaboration, and investment. The planning process intentionally incorporates deep community engagement for residents and local food leaders to help identify ways that local food can be integrated into their city’s existing plans and programs.
Since the initiative launched in 2019, the cities of East Point, Alpharetta, Jonesboro, and Austell have established City Agriculture Plans. FWA and the ARC are now opening up applications for cities within Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties to be the next city to develop a plan.
Learn more about what the planning process looks like at our Virtual Open House on Wednesday, November 6 . This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get information about the application.
The deadline to apply is Friday, November 22, 2024.
City Agriculture Plan Application Packet
Here are the resources you need to prepare for the application process. We highly recommend that you review all relevant documents before applying.
Download a copy of the application to reference all the requirements and questions before you apply.
Application Guidelines & Criteria
View the guidelines that representatives from FWA and ARC will use to evaluate applicant cities.
Download an example MOU to understand what will be expected of any city participating in the City Agriculture Plan.
Learn about the benefits of investing in local food systems and potential recommendations based on key priority areas.
Have questions about the City Agriculture Planning Process?
Attend an Open House
FWA is hosting two open houses to give interested city officials and local organizations a chance to ask questions and learn more about how a City Agriculture Plan could impact their city. Our In-Person Open house has already passed but there is still a virtual event in November:
Virtual Open House
Wednesday, November 6
10 am - 11 am
Watch the Q&A Webinar Recording
New to the City Ag Planning application process or just want a refresher? Then watch the recording of the Q&A webinar from last year where FWA and ARC provide a quick rundown on the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question you need answered right away? Visit our FAQ page for general information. You’ll learn how plans are developed, what’s expected of the city, and much more.
City of East Point
After a thorough exploration process in 2019, the City of East Point was selected to pilot the City Agriculture Plan. In 2021, East Point City Council adopted the region’s first City Agriculture Plan.
East Point approved the formation of a city-level Local Food Ecosystem Commission to guide the plan’s implementation and advise the Mayor and Council on matters related to local food and agriculture. The plan was funded by a $250,000 USDA Regional Food System Partnership grant.
City of Alpharetta
The City of Alpharetta adopted the region's second City Agriculture Plan in 2022. Since 2023, the city has opened two new seed libraries at Fulton County Library branches and established new school partnerships to teach agricultural knowledge to youth.
In June 2024, Alpharetta piloted its first community composting program with local residents and Old Rucker Farm. The city continues to execute implementation projects using a $75,000 grant from FWA, matched by additional city funds.
City of Jonesboro
The City of Jonesboro was the next city to develop a City Agriculture Plan, the region’s first in Clayton County. Following an extensive community engagement phase, Jonesboro's Steering Committee, FWA, and ARC developed a City Agriculture Plan that was adopted in 2023.
Implementation began in 2024, in partnership with two local organizations, focusing on improving community garden infrastructure, enhancing food access, and providing educational opportunities.
City of Austell
In 2023, the City of Austell was selected by FWA and the ARC to develop Cobb County's first City Agriculture Plan. Austell's strong vision for holistic community improvement and commitment to reducing health disparities through inclusive food policies and programs were key factors in their selection.
Following a successful and well-attended community engagement phase led by FWA, Austell's Steering Committee is now working with ARC to develop their City Agriculture Plan.
