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
Promotional Materials
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Reports & Evaluations
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Individual Stories / Examples of Success