BFRDP Projects

The Tilth Alliance Farm Works (TAFW) Agricultural Training and Incubator Project expanded opportunities for farmers in the Puget Sound Region (Washington).  Beginning farmers, including socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmers, veterans, and   immigrants have been recruited through strong partnerships with community groups, as well as other social service providers and young farmer networks. Project participants completed a 20 week farming and business operations course with hands-on and classroom components, tailored to meet the cultural background and language of the participants. At the end of the training, participants had access to land leased at heavily subsidized rates, as well as on-site technical assistance at the nearly 13-acre incubator site.  Beginning farmers benefit from the shared infrastructure and learning community that is maintained with farmers working alongside each other as well as from socializing and sharing at communal meals. Farmers also benefited from support in developing markets, including selling their product to Tilth Alliance Produce, a food hub operating a CSA and subsidized CSA for low-income participants.