Final report for FNE23-041
Project Information
Deaf New Americans farmers runs the farming program. Our model farm allows us to cultivate ourselves, our cultures, and traditions. We are native sign language users that share the same languages and are able to share our traditional farming skills with each other. On the farm, we work one-on-one to process what Deaf New Americans envision for themselves and use pictures and our experiences to teach them.
For outreach, we contacted sign language users, flyers were sent out, and held multiple events for people to come onto our farm. In June 2023, DNA convened at Asha Laaya, an Experiential Opportunity for Deaf New Americans, to gather and discuss the DNA’s leadership as a culturally-responsive model farm. The event was attended by over 50 Deaf-only individuals. We also set up our first Harvest Dinner, with almost 60 people in attendance. Elected officials helped to organize and we had a partnership with vendors who supported us. We also were able to attend Syracuse-Onondaga Food Alliance’s Food Justice Gathering. We also won Organization of the Year by Deaf Women United.
We were able to grow 37,000 pounds of vegetables on our 1-acre farm, Asha Laaya. We currently have 12 farmers who own plots to grow food for their family and sell food for profit. During this project, we also established 10 acres of land that we can move into and expand our program in the near future.
We also donated 1000 pounds of food to Blessing Box, a food pantry. We also partnered with World Refugee Day and we donated about 50 trays of seedlings of different types of vegetables.
We sold $6,000 worth of produce and food at the New York State fair, farmer’s markets, and festivals. For these events, we were able to get proper equipment for food service and expand the range of equipment for the farm and general that we can use for future endeavors.
We also donated 1000 pounds of food to Blessing Box, a food pantry. We also partnered with World Refugee Day and we donated about 50 trays of seedlings of different types of vegetables.
We sold $6,000 worth of produce and food at the New York State fair, farmer’s markets, and festivals. For these events, we were able to get proper equipment for food service and expand the range of equipment for the farm and general that we can use for future endeavors.
This project seeks to empower and engage the Deaf New Americans (DNAs) through agricultural farming. The specific objectives are as follows:
- To produce native, organic, and seasonal vegetables by utilizing the unique experience, knowledge, and traditional practice of Deaf New Americans.
- To create an open community for Deaf refugees from different cities where they can gather, exchange knowledge, share/buy vegetables from Deaf Farmers, and engage in community activities.
- To train and strengthen the DNA’s knowledge regarding farming, agricultural small business ideas, and potential markets.
- To make a Deaf-led community farming model for other communities.
- To empower Deaf New Americans by creating meaningful partnerships with related stakeholders like farmer's markets, libraries, churches, Asian stores, etc.
There are around 50 Deaf farmers (Deaf immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers) also called Deaf New Americans (DNA) in Syracuse, NY. Still, many Deaf farmers are isolated in this area and we are trying to reach them. The majority of these farmers spent their lives in their native countries doing agricultural activities for their daily survival. All they know and enjoy is being on the farm and producing commodities like grains, vegetables, and fruits, which was also one of the sources of their income.
These farmers grew up farming in their native country. Their parents worked on a traditional farm to develop resources. When they were expelled from their country and became refugees, losing everything. Farmers kept the tradition of community farming alive in the refugee camps where they were assigned. When we arrived in the United States, we were isolated and in a city that didn't permit using the backyard for farming. The Deaf New American farmers also started to develop health problems and experienced isolation. We now have our own one-acre farm. We seek to empower ourselves, be independent, and set up a model Deaf-led farm where everyone communicates in sign language and sells vegetables for profit.
These farmers have farming skills, however they lack the appropriate land to grow vegetables. They are also not allowed by the landlords to grow vegetables in the backyards of their apartments. These farmers don't have much access to social activities. Most of them have to stay at home due to communication barriers and do all household chores while family members have opportunities to work or attend school, etc. These Deaf farmers do not get exposure to outside activities. The fact that they spend most of the time in the house not only hampers their mental health but also impacts their physical health and they develop health problems like diabetes and other health-related complications.
This project is aimed to address the above mentioned social issues by enhancing farmers' employment opportunities, including improving the quality of farmer's life. DNA farm project will provide the opportunity for Deaf New Americans to leave their homes and explore the outer world. This will help farmers to connect with their traditional farming practices which will help their both mental and physical health. It will also help them to get traditional food which is difficult to afford at the local Asian markets. This project will also empower farmers financially by uplifting their income-generation skills. Farmers can utilize the land, grow their own organic food, and sell it. There is not any organization that directly helps these farmers addressing their mental and physical well-being through agriculture, hence we aim to bridge this gap. We hope this can be a model for other Deaf communities throughout the state of New York.
The farm, spanning 1.5 acres, operates efficiently with a team of two full-time managers and three dedicated volunteers, totaling five individuals dedicated to its success. Specializing in the cultivation of culturally appropriate vegetables, the farm has yielded an impressive 37,000 pounds of produce. We grow produce such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, garlic, greens (leafy), greens (lettuces), okra, onions, peas(culinary), peppers, radishes (culinary), sweet corn, and tomatoes.
Beyond meeting the nutritional needs of local families, the farm also engages in commercial activities by selling its products. Notably, it has successfully generated $6,000 in sales at the New York State Fair, tents at farmer's markets and directly selling to Asian markets/stores. The farm is well-equipped with essential equipment, including an irrigation system, machinery, weeder, shed tools, covers, oil thermostat, greens knife, weatherproofing, anchoring pins, and various types of hoes.
Cooperators
- - Technical Advisor
Research
The following methodology to be adopted by the project uses a hands-on participatory approach. The Deaf New Americans will operate this project. The details of objective-wise methods are described below.
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Objectives |
Methods |
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To produce native, organic, and seasonal vegetables by utilizing the experiences, knowledge and traditional farming practices of Deaf New Americans. |
The Deaf New American did actively engage to achieve this objective. The following steps was taken:
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To create an open community for Deaf refugees from different developing countries where they can gather, exchange knowledge, and engage in community activities. |
Members of Deaf New American did gather, and grow vegetables. They also shared their previous experiences with the Deaf community. There was weekly gatherings involving various skill development trainings. |
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To train and strengthen the Deaf New Americans knowledge regarding farming, agricultural small business ideas, and potential markets. |
The members were given education on the different approaches of traditional and modern farming. Various farming experts invited and training sessions did conducted. |
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To make a Deaf-led community farming model for other communities. |
This is the first Deaf-led farming project in New York State. After this project's successful completion, the findings shared locally and globally including sign language platform videos so other Deaf communities can incorporate this model. |
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To empower Deaf New Americans to form partnerships with local related stakes holders like farmer's markets, libraries, churches, farm to table organizations, etc. |
The members trained via various workshops and trainings. We provided training on different approaches to reaching out to the local supporting organizations. We will also organize workshops and invite representatives of local supporting organizations. |
In consultation with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry, Department of Landscaping, college students did research on the land, soil and sunlight to figure out the best location for planting for crops and irrigation.
The soil survey said the management concerns to watch out for are:
- These soils can have a temporary seasonal high-water table in the subsoil in the spring—this is something that you want to watch out for, and means that there might be more water than ideal early in the spring (or in wet years). It did feel like that back corner (the northwest) might be wet.
- Droughtiness (getting too dry) and soil blowing away (if too dry) can be an issue in dry summers.
- This soil is usually easy to work and till but may require more fertilizer additions than other soils.
We were able to meet the following project objectives:
We produced native, organic, and seasonal vegetables by utilizing the unique experience, knowledge, and traditional practice of Deaf New Americans. We produced 37,000 pounds of produce.
We were able to create an open community for Deaf refugees from different cities where they can gather, exchange knowledge, share/buy vegetables from Deaf Farmers, and engage in community activities. We accomplished this by hosting a variety of events including a Harvest Festival and monthly Farm Days. We also attended Syracuse-Onondaga Food Alliance’s Food Justice Gathering and the New York State fair as a group of Deaf New Americans.
We were able to train and strengthen the DNA’s knowledge regarding farming, agricultural small business ideas, and potential markets. We sold over $6,000 worth of produce at the New York State Fair, tents at farmer's markets and directly to Asian markets/stores
We believe that our farm is a model for Deaf-led community farming that can be replicated elsewhere in other communities.
We empowered Deaf New Americans by creating meaningful partnerships with related stakeholders farmer's markets, libraries, churches, Asian stores, etc.
We Had proposal for a two years project , however the fund run out with in first year.
In the course of our farming journey, significant lessons have been learned, particularly in relation to crop management and time utilization. The meticulous cleaning process of cilantro, involving three individuals and six hours of labor emerged as a time-consuming task without yielding substantial profits. This realization prompted a critical evaluation of sales strategies to optimize efficiency.
Unanticipated encounters with snakes on the farm necessitated rapid and informed responses, which we soon learned opened trauma responses from past experiences, notably those involving snake-related tragedies in refugee camps. Additionally, the initial excitement of fieldwork gave way to heightened awareness of trauma responses, conflict resolution needs, and the emotional toll associated with both fieldwork and crop development.
The challenge of weather fluctuations, particularly a lack of rain affecting crop growth, underscored the importance of adaptability and frequent monitoring. This season,
we had a focus on nurturing independent seedlings, navigating the intricacies of seed planting in trays, and closely monitoring the growth process. However, as summer unfolded, we confronted the challenging transition from seedlings to the open land. The adverse weather conditions, characterized by a distressing lack of rain, cast a shadow of concern over our crops, with expectations of them dying and not blooming. Faced with this predicament, we had to intensify our vigilance, closely monitoring the crops and increasing the frequency of watering in response to the unpredictable weather. The impact of weather on the growth process emerged as a big hurdle that demanded our attention and adaptation. We had a real dedication to learning, for example we had to research solutions for when our truck and equipment got stuck in the mud. In an effort to enhance our farming endeavors, we introduced new crops and vegetation, observing their growth and assessing their market viability. The insights gathered from this experimental phase will play a pivotal role in shaping our agricultural strategies for the upcoming 2024 season.
Moreover, during this time, we had a realization of the need for BIPOC trauma counseling, more support resources, and cultural resolution for those outside our community underscores a commitment to holistic well-being awareness, while also we also had successes in problem solving and expanding our knowledge on our farm.
Education & Outreach Activities and Participation Summary
Participation Summary:
For outreach, we contacted sign language users, flyers were sent out, and held multiple events for people to come onto our farm. In June 2023, DNA convened at Asha Laaya, an Experiential Opportunity for Deaf New Americans, to gather and discuss the DNA’s leadership as a culturally-responsive model farm. The event was attended by over 50 Deaf-only individuals. We also set up our first Harvest Dinner, with almost 60 people in attendance. Elected officials helped to organize and we had a partnership with vendors who supported us. We also were able to attend Syracuse-Onondaga Food Alliance’s Food Justice Gathering. We also won Organization of the Year by Deaf Women United.
Our New Neighbors on WCNY Community FM Interview ,Transcription
Recognition by City of Syracuse - Office of the Mayor, #DoingGood with Asha... - City of Syracuse - Office of the Mayor _ Facebook
Spectrum News, JUN. 26, 2023, https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/human-interest/2023/06/26/central-new-york-farm-deaf-new-americans-advocacy-group
Deaf refugee group looks to cultivate food, life on CNY farm.SpectrumNews(pdf)
Central Current article, November 17, 2023, Deaf New Americans find community at Asha Laaya 'Farm of Hope'.CentralCurrentNOV17.2023
Central Current article, November 27, 2023, Deaf New Americans find community at Asha Laaya 'Farm of Hope'.CentralCurrentNOV27.2023
Project Photos: asha laaya yrar
Learning Outcomes
The farmers learned different ways to water, plant and cultivate a variety of crops.
The farmers learned how to use farm equipment. The farmers learned to harvest crops.
The farmers learned how to sell their crops at farmers markets and Asian stores.
Project Outcomes
We were able to meet the following project objectives:
We produced native, organic, and seasonal vegetables by utilizing the unique experience, knowledge, and traditional practice of Deaf New Americans. We produced 37,000 pounds of produce.
We were able to create an open community for Deaf refugees from different cities where they can gather, exchange knowledge, share/buy vegetables from Deaf Farmers, and engage in community activities. We accomplished this by hosting a variety of events including a Harvest Festival and monthly Farm Days. We also attended Syracuse-Onondaga Food Alliance’s Food Justice Gathering and the New York State fair as a group of Deaf New Americans.
We were able to train and strengthen the DNA’s knowledge regarding farming, agricultural small business ideas, and potential markets. We sold over $6,000 worth of produce at the New York State Fair, tents at farmer's markets and directly to Asian markets/stores
We believe that our farm is a model for Deaf-led community farming that can be replicated elsewhere in other communities.
We empowered Deaf New Americans by creating meaningful partnerships with related stakeholders farmer's markets, libraries, churches, Asian stores, etc.
We learned a great deal from the project. We learned that effective time management is crucial to running a successful farm. We learned how to problem solve by overcoming issues related to water sources, pests (good bugs vs bad bugs), what plants to plant next to the crops. We learned how to cultivate various vegetables and which were easiest to grow, process and return the most profit. We also gain confidence in our skills and abilities as farms.
There were a number of challenges we faced. The weather and climate were a challenge for us. At one point it did not rain for six weeks so we had to find other sources of water. Because of the climate we were not able to grow tomatoes. Travel to the farm was sometimes difficult due to transportation issues. There were some issues with our neighbors around the farm and at times we did not feel safe. For example, at one point we were held at gunpoint by neighbor and had to wait for the authorities to arrive to resolve the situation