Support County Farms: Urgent Funding Needed

A federal funding freeze has put six vital agricultural conservation projects on hold across Alameda County, jeopardizing sustainability efforts for small farms and community spaces in West Oakland, Hayward/Ashland, the Oakland Hills (Sequoya/Eastmont Hills), and San Leandro. These projects, which serve a local child development center and a temporary residence for the unhoused, must be completed this spring—but without immediate financial support, they will not happen.

The Alameda County Resource Conservation District (ACRCD) is calling on the community to help raise $15,000 to fully fund these critical projects. Each grant award is $2,500, and every dollar goes directly to these small farms and gardens, which operate on limited budgets with volunteer support.

Your Support Will Fund:

Irrigation & Water Conservation – Installing self-watering ollas, rainwater catchment systems, and mulch to reduce water consumption and stormwater runoff.
Soil Health & Composting – Enhancing compost systems and planting cover crops to improve soil health.
Pollinator & Native Plantings – Creating drought-tolerant landscapes for biodiversity and an outdoor propagation station.
Community Education & Engagement – Providing outreach materials, signage, and workshops to share best practices for small farms and gardens.

These farms play a vital role in the community—partnering with local restaurants for composting and sharing fresh produce with underserved neighbors. Though they were selected for funding last fall, the unexpected freeze has left them without resources. With your help, we can bridge this gap and ensure these projects move forward!

Please donate today. The deadline is Monday, March 31. To ensure these projects are implemented this spring, we need urgent support. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a lasting impact. Donate now at acrcd.org/donation-info and help keep local farms growing!