BFRDP Projects

Growing Sustainable Farms: Training, Land and Resources for Beginning Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers
[Final Report]

Award Amount: $159,626
Grant Program: 2016 Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Awards
Project Director: Laura Mirafuentes
Email: lmirafuentes@thefoodgroupmn.org
Organization: Minnesota Food Association

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  • Overview
  • Results
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Project Overview

The Growing Sustainable Farms: Training, Land and Resources for Beginning Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers project was a collaborative effort led by Minnesota Food Association (MFA) to create opportunities for socially-disadvantaged farmers to launch farm enterprises, and to increase the sustainability of farms operated by socially-disadvantaged farmers with up to 10 years’ farming experience. The project reached more than 400 immigrant and minority farmers, in collaboration with numerous other community-based organizations in the Midwest. In-depth training and comprehensive support services were provided to a smaller group of approximately 20 farmers each year who were preparing to launch or building their own independent farm businesses. This training program will continue beyond the conclusion of this BFRDP grant, and will continue to include: classroom sessions on business planning, financial management and marketing; field sessions and workshops demonstrating organic vegetable farming techniques; 1:1 technical assistance; access to high-quality land with needed equipment and infrastructure; and multiple opportunities to connect with and learn from other farmers. MFA also hosts a large annual conference developed for farmers from historically underserved populations.

Number of Participants: 504

Results

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