The Grow Local Support Fund launched on Monday, January 5, 2026, with a goal of supporting urban and small-scale producers in strengthening local food systems within the Chickasaw Nation Treaty Territory. This project is supported by the Southern Oklahoma Urban & Small Farm Hub team, which invites proposals for projects that will increase producer capacity to grow food, expand access to fresh, healthy food, improve knowledge, and more.
Awards will range from $500 to $8,000, with a project period of no more than 12 months from date of approval to complete activities. The goal of the Grow Local Support Fund is to increase the production and availability of fresh, locally grown produce while expanding community knowledge of its benefits.
The Southern Oklahoma Urban and Small Farm Hub emerged from a national call from the USDA to understand, invest in, and support the needs of urban agricultural producers and helping urban producers access USDA programs and resources. Funding for this initiative is provided through the USDA FSA Urban and Innovative Agriculture Community-Based Organization Fund and a Cooperative Agreement between the Chickasaw Nation, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Murray State College, and the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts.
“We are very excited to launch this fund to support local growers and urban agriculture. We believe this initiative will help strengthen connections, increase access to nutritious food, and foster a more vibrant and resilient future for everyone involved,” said Trey Lam, Executive Director, Oklahoma Conservation Commission.
Applicants are encouraged to read the program’s full Request for Proposals (RFP) before applying. Applications are due by February 13, 2026, and can be submitted to sofarmhub@mscok.edu or through your local conservation district. Projects must take place within the Chickasaw Nation Treaty Territory to be eligible for funding.
To learn more and apply, please visit: Urban & Small Farm Hub – Oklahoma Conservation Commission
For questions, please contact: sofarmhub@mscok.edu
For media inquiries, please contact: justine.anderson@conservation.ok.gov
