The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $12 million in Farm to School Grants this year, announcing awards to 176 grantees.

USDA announced the availability of up to $4 million for grants to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects.

USDA is investing up to $15 million to support the development of new tools and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.

This funding will aid in developing new markets for U.S. agricultural products, expand the specialty crop food sector, and help low-income consumers.

The USDA announced today an $11.5 million research investment to help ensure America’s small and medium-sized farms become more profitable.