Immigrant Sustainable Farming Pilot Project

View the project final report

• 2008 annual report
• 2009 annual report

Commodities

Practices

• Education and Training: demonstration, display, workshop

The Immigrant Sustainable Farming Pilot Project of Community CROPS (Combining Resources, Opportunities and People for Sustainability) will work with immigrants and refugees beginning farm businesses in the southeast Nebraska area. The farmers will use sustainable growing methods combined with business and marketing skills to start small agricultural enterprises. This innovative project will provide a combination of training, technical assistance and resources that they need to successfully develop their goals and establish the project to help more beginning farmers in the future Lincoln, Nebraska has long been a destination for New Americans, many with agricultural backgrounds who desire to return to farming but lack the resources to do so. The pilot will develop and enhance the Community CROPS farm training program to meet their needs.

1. Eighteen participating farmers with basic knowledge of sustainable farming and farming in Nebraska's climate and soils. Eighteen participating farmers with basic business skills and initial business plan. Eighteen participating farmers with the knowledge and skills to market their products. Resource providers and technical advisors who are familiar with the needs of the participants. Participants meet farmer peers, mentor farmers and resource providers.

1. Ten new farmers will use their enhanced knowledge of sustainable farming and business skills to begin agriculture enterprises. Three new participants will use 'passing on the gift' loans for livestock, bees, nursery stock, etc. Participants will sell crops to a variety of markets Participants will form networks for marketing, purchasing or sharing information.