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INVESTIGATOR: Walrafen, M.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
2220 Central Ave.
Kansas City, KANSAS 66102

NEW ROOTS FOR REFUGEES

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (CCNEK) requested funds in partnership with Cultivate Kansas City (CKC), to fund a successful incubator training farm called New Roots for Refugees, and new activities that support the scaling up of refugee farmers to meet wholesale demand in the Kansas City area.The long term goal is that refugees farm in Kansas City independently on land that they own or lease at a scale that they desire and manage. To reach this goal, we have identified the following objectives: Removal of Barriers to Marketing, Adapted and Increased Agricultural Skills, Financial Management and Farm Capitalization, and Whole Farm Planning.CCNEK and CKC have been working together since 2005 to help refugees start farm businesses, providing infrastructure, training, technical assistance, and marketing support. CCNEK has a long history of working with refugees, while CKC brings agricultural expertise, making an effective partnership for serving refugee farmers.The incubator farm program provides non-traditional lease agreements to gain access to land that require refugees to complete trainings and establish a path toward managing their own farm business. For each year of the program, refugee farmers take on additional responsibilities, taking the refugee farmer from dependency to independent farm business operator in 4 years. Specific emphasis is put on using equipment to maximize effeciency and profit.100% of program funds will go to Non-Governmental Organizations to support Socially Disadvantaged and limited-resource farmers.

OBJECTIVES: The long term goal of New Roots for Refugees is that refugees will farm independently on owned land or through lease agreements at a scale that they desire, achieve and manage. Below are 4 supporting objectives.1) Removal of Barriers to Marketing: Lack of formal education, market knowledge, and English skills can prevent refugees from accessing retail and wholesale markets and limit ability to engage in effective customer interactions, therefore limiting their sales potential. Barriers to vehicle ownership and driving skills can make traveling to markets or delivering produce without assistance overwhelming experiences.OutputsOutcomesGrant PeriodGrant PeriodLong-Range16 farmers in training are paired with weekly English volunteers yearly (December to March)Refugee farmers have improved English Language proficiencyRefugee farmers are able to access and utilize a wide array of marketing channels and maximize salesFarmers gain confidence in creating and maintaining relationships with customers and pursue new sales leads independentlyFarmers attend markets independently35 farmers in training yearly are registered to sell at 2 weekly farmers' markets (June-October)Farmers in their 2nd- 4th years will be paired with 3-5 CSA Members yearly and assisted in forming relationships with those customers10 Graduate farmers are assisted yearly with market applications, insurance, and communication as neededFarmers in 3rd & 4th years take on leadership in wholesale marketingIncrease in marketing and sales opportunities for the products of refugee farmers1st year farmers sell an average of $2,000; 2nd year, $3,500; 3rd and 4th year, $6,000Graduates sell an average of $10,000Farmers develop relationships with buyers that continue after graduation4 Workshops on marketing opportunities in the US yearly: Farmers' Markets, CSA, Wholesale, and Pricing2 Field Trips annually to larger farming and wholesale operations are organizedRefugee farmers have experience selling their produce through multiple marketing channelsFarmers understand the benefits of scaling up and indicate desire to scale up when future planning1:1 support for 1st year farmers at markets, including transportationFarmers take steps towards going to market independently2) Adapted and Improved Agricultural Skills: Refugee farmers have significant experience farming in their home countries, but come from very different climates and markets. In general, they are not familiar with using mechanization in their production. Tillers, tractors, mulch layers, and other implements, as well as greenhouses and high tunnels, are unfamiliar to them. Studies clearly show that farmers who grow at a larger scale and use more mechanization increase their income potential.OutputsOutcomesGrant PeriodGrant PeriodLong-Range15 workshops focused on organic production, equipment, post-harvest handling, farm records, season extension, and minimizing crop risks, yearly January-OctoberRefugee farmers have increased knowledge of organic farmingRefugee farmers have improved retention of training materialfrom workshops; program staff can develop more advanced material as farmers retain more informationRefugees manage farm production independently2 workshops on product diversification yearlyFarmers implement production of high value, diversified crops and productsFarmers have sustainable farm businesses because of diversificationBi-weekly meetings with farmers and staff to evaluate production, address pests, diseases, weeds and other concerns, yearly April-OctoberFarmers apply improved agricultural skills and technologiesFarmers use equipment independently or with limited supervisionFarmers exhibit increased use of resource conservation and sustainability practicesFarmers have a broad knowledge of overall production planning and management4 trainings on equipment usage yearlyA demonstration plot will be maintained by staff (supported by farmers in training & volunteers) for selling wholesale, using equipment, and showcasing technologies3) Financial Management and Farm Capitalization: Most refugee farmers arrive in the US with only basic record-keeping skills and without knowinghow to acquire land. Financial management and business planning are also unfamiliar. Because of cultural differences, helping farmers learn the value of record-keeping and planning requires intensive and creative education over time. Through non-traditional land leases, savings requirements, and financial management training and support, farmers will develop the financial and production records that prepare them for taking out loans, acquiring land and achieving business independence.OutputsOutcomesGrant PeriodGrant PeriodLong-Range35 refugee farmers will cultivate 16, 1/4 acre plots at the Training Farm yearlyFarmers take on additional responsibility, moving towards independence35 farmers identify and develop 16 independent farms with help from the Graduate Farm DeveloperRefugee farmers operate successful farm businesses, create extra income, and increase their families' self-sufficiencyStaff will meet with farmers nearing graduation to make a financial plan for acquiring farm sitesStaff assist 35 farmers in opening bank accounts and learning basic banking processesRefugee farmers save 30% of sales in bank accounts to pay for taxes and expenses in subsequent seasonsRefugees keep financial records for their farm businessesRefugees have higher levels of financial literacy and access the US banking systemBusinesses registered and sales taxes paid.Refugee farmers are integrated into US banking system, save for the future, keep financial records and have access to capitalDuring bi-weekly meetings, staff will cover the financial elements of operating a farm business with farmers4 Workshops yearly covering financial management topics (taxes, recordkeeping, budgeting)4.) Whole Farm Planning: At the Training Farm, our infrastructure and systems model affordable, efficient, and safe farming practices. Farmers learn about refrigeration, tool and equipment use, smart use of city water, and other basics of farm operation. When farmers graduate, they often purchase properties with no improvements andmust developa farm from bare land. Many refugees farmed land in their home countries that was passed along from generation to generation, and they were not involved in the initial farm development at our training farm. As a result, most farmers are unaware of the construction, plumbing, and electrical skills that may be necessary in creating their future farm.Sourcing and purchasing materials have also proven to be challenging for graduates. By working with a Graduate Farm Developer (GFD) a position funded by CKC and not included in the grant budget,the graduates will develop a whole farm plan and will begin implementation.OutputsOutcomesGrant PeriodGrant PeriodLong-RangeProgram Staff will work with 35 farmers nearing graduation to develop a production and infrastructure plan for 17 independent farm site.Farmers will utilize up to 40 hours of the GFD's time in constructing buildings (sheds, high tunnels, greenhouses, walk-in coolers, etc), buying equipment, or other site development activities dependent on their plan.35 Farmers have a farm development plan that includes infrastructure, farm layout, equipment needs, and soil improvement activities; a budget for farm development, information about sourcing infrastructure and equipment, and a timeline for developing the farm.Farms are well-designed, efficient, and productive.Farmers competently manage businesses and understand the diverse skills needed to develop efficient and productive farms.Farmers will know where to source materials.Program staff will work with graduates to develop their own farm name, logo and marketing materials.Farmers have their own brand.Farmers are able to market their products on their own.