A message from Brien, the Executive Director of Cultivate KC.
2024 was one of Cultivate KC’s most transformative years to date. We grew our staff, which was reflective of growth in the programming that allows us to better support our region’s farmers. We are now better positioned to help farmers find and access land, acquire capital for business expansion, borrow the tools necessary to tackle the big jobs on farm, and by next February, we will have rentable greenhouse bench space for farmers needing to start transplants. We were also able to increase the number of public-facing events we hosted in 2024, and I’m thrilled to share that the region-wide tour of urban farms known as the Urban Grown Tour will be returning in 2025.
Struggles
On the other hand, we also saw the closure of our Westport Commons Farm in Midtown Kansas City, the relocation of both of our office spaces, and like many of our peers, we felt the impact of several local foundations shifting away from investing in the region’s food system non-profits. Likewise, another year without an updated Farm Bill brought challenges to our programs that have been historically funded through the USDA.
Results
But the results speak for themselves. As a team, we were able to grant $44,000 in mini grants, we connected farmers with federal, state and local dollars to make farm infrastructure investments, and we secured $6.5 million of NRCS funding for farmers over the next five years to implement conservation practices on their farms. We also contributed over 600 hours of labor to area farms – you bring the field, Cultivate brings the tools, expertise and volunteers. Our New Roots program added two graduates bringing the total to 48 farm families now providing food for our community and their families. Our food access team processed $150,000 of farmers markets incentive redemptions between our two flagship programs, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Market Match.
Our team tirelessly advocates for the local food system. We listen to producers to understand their specific needs and to anticipate what will be most useful one, three, and five years from now. We listen to consumers of local food and recognize the need for greater food assistance for populations with low food access and high food insecurity. I believe in this work with my whole heart, and I know you do, too.
I am asking you today to help us continue working towards a more equitable, sustainable, and healthy food system for all who call Kansas City home. I hope you will consider contributing to our work.
Learn about the ways you can support Cultivate KC HERE.
