Progress report for WPDP24-009
Project Information
The Latine community are vital contributors to Oregon’s agricultural success. Even so, they often face discrimination in the workforce that leads to low wages, limited upper movement, and unfair hiring and labor practices. This is where Adelante Mujeres’ Microenterprise Department supports new, beginning and aspiring Latine farmers. In the face of discrimination, the Latine community remains hardworking, resilient, and entrepreneurial. Providing new and beginning Latine farmers with access to education, resources, and opportunities to create and sustain their own farm businesses generates economic security for low-income Latine families, supplies local and affordable produce to families throughout our community, and enhances the local economy.
According to Oregon Department of Agriculture, the average age of Oregon’s farmers remains at around 60 years, as many as 10.45 million acres or 64% of Oregon farmland is expected to change hands in the next 20 years. The good news is that according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the population of farmers in Oregon is growing as well as Latine farmers. While Latine-owned farms only make up 3% of the state's total, there has been a steady increase in part due to the changing demographics of the state1.
Adelante’s project will increase our Microenterprise Department’s farm business and regenerative agriculture knowledge, skillset, and ability to produce high quality and culturally responsive Small Business Development and Market Access for Latine agricultural professionals in Washington County. With the professional development gained by this grant, our team will be better prepared to support the next generation of farmers through workshops, courses, and 1:1 business coaching.
Through the Western SARE Professional Development Grant, Adelante’s main objective is to increase our Microenterprise (ME) Department’s education, skills, and capacity through professional development in order to better facilitate our programming for farmers, farm-businesses, and food-businesses. Specifically, with grant funds our main objectivities include:
- Increase Regenerative Agriculture Knowledge of ME Staff and Agriculture Professionals through Soil Food and Savory Institue Regenerative Agriculture Online Training. Key Topics include - On-farm renewable energy, pest and weed management, pastured livestock and rotational grazing, no-till and conservation tillage, cover crops, high tunnels and season extension, crop rotations, sustainable communities, integrated systems, pollinators, local and regional food systems, and small ruminants.
- Increase knowledge for ME staff in Farmers Market Sales, Outreach, Vendor Support, and Federally Assisted Food Programs such as SNAP, WIC, etc. through the Farmers Market Pros’ InTents Conference, Market Cities Online Training, and Customer Service trainings.
- Increase technical capacity for our ME Team to provide 1:1 business support for agricultural professionals through Conflict Resolution trainings, Rogue Farm and Julia Shanks Farm Business Trainings, Hispanic Metropolitain Chamber Latino and Third Truth Leadership Trainings, and National Farm Viability Conference. These trainings and conference will provide skills in intentional communication, effective coaching and conflict management in small business development and agricultural family-based businesses, farm business planning, financial and business analysis, and accounting basics.
Education
Adelante Mujeres and its Department of Microenterprise Programs invest in ongoing staff training and professional development to strengthen service quality and program effectiveness. Through intentional and tailored learning and coaching opportunities, staff build deeper technical expertise and culturally responsive skills to support Latine microentrepreneurs in the urban and rural agricultural sectors.
As a result, the team is able to provide more individualized, accurate, and actionable business guidance. All services continue to be delivered fully in Spanish, ensuring clear communication, relevance, and increased participant engagement. This approach contributes to better understanding of business concepts, higher satisfaction with the services, and a stronger and empowered capacity among farm businesses to apply new skills and make informed business decisions.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
This online course provided by Dr. Elaine Ingham, demonstrates how to rapidly and effectively regenerate soils, protect the environment and increase profits for farmers.
Dr. Elaine Ingham, a pioneering soil biologist, is widely recognized as a leading expert in the Soil Food Web Approach, which she discovered nearly 40 years ago. Her method focuses on restoring the complete soil food web found in virgin soils, enabling rapid soil regeneration, improving water quality, reversing climate change, and enhancing food nutrition.
With the purpose to continue working with our community garden while also creating a farm incubator for Adelante Mujeres participants of our Regenerative Agriculture Program, the following outcomes were identified:
- Alternatives to prevent and solve the lack of enough water and the size of the land, providing the appropriate conditions to show how to fight climate change.
- Get more peer-to-peer and shared experiences to engage and motivate different allies and potential partners who are closely interested in the project.
- Learn how to take our current experience with regenerative agriculture practices from community gardens and home gardens to a much larger scale.
InTents is an annual conference that offers our organization the latest insights and training on recruiting and retaining farmers, vendors, and staff, managing rising costs and regulations, improving marketing and budgeting, handling conflicts, adapting to climate change, advocating for policies, and streamlining paperwork.
InTents is the largest Farmers Market Conference, that brings together market managers and participants from across the U.S. to strengthen operations, reduce stress, and boost profitability. This three-day event features presentations, panels, and roundtables, providing opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and discuss the latest trends in the farmers market industry.
With the purpose to improve our management of the 2 farmers markets we hold annually, and to get latest insights and training on successfully running its operations through our Market Access Program, the following outcomes were identified:
- Learn effective methods for attracting and keeping farmers, vendors, and staff.
- Understand approaches to help markets and vendors adapt to changing environmental conditions.
- Discover tools, services, and resources to support your market’s growth and sustainability.
- Strengthen your market’s role in the local economy and community development.
Attending the Just Economy Conference allows our organization to connect with key leaders, gain insights on economic equity strategies, strengthen advocacy efforts, explore funding opportunities, and build partnerships. It is a chance to learn best practices, share our mission, and contribute to a national dialogue on creating real opportunities for underserved communities.
The Just Economy Conference is an annual national event where leaders from communities, businesses, foundations, policy, and government come together to network, share ideas, and shape a future with real opportunities for all. This 3-day event includes a visit to Capitol Hill, in addition to keynote speakers, main stage discussions, and a variety of interactive sessions and workshops.
With the purpose to continue expanding our network for partnerships and funding opportunities, and gain insights to new just economy strategies and efforts for our Department of Microenterprise Programs, the following outcomes were identified:
- Gain a deeper understanding of policies affecting economic justice and how to influence change.
- Learn strategies to help small businesses and entrepreneurs build financial stability.
- Build relationships with policymakers, funders, business leaders, and community advocates.
- Implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance your organization’s impact.
The goal of the training is to equip with the negotiation skills and develop strategies and techniques to achieve success and efficient program management.
Negotiation Mastery equips with the skills to break deadlocks, create maximum value in agreements, and resolve conflicts before they escalate. This program focuses on both analytical tools and interpersonal strategies to navigate diverse bargaining styles and tactics effectively.
With the purpose to continue expanding our network for partnerships and funding opportunities for our Department of Microenterprise Programs, the following outcomes were identified:
- Gain a deep understanding of negotiation dynamics and strategies for navigating uncertainty.
- Develop the ability to adapt quickly and think strategically in changing situations.
- Learn techniques to address and resolve minor conflicts before they escalate.
- Maximize value for our organization in negotiations.
- Assess personal negotiation styles and refine approaches for greater effectiveness.
The goal of the training is to equip Market Access team members with the skills and techniques needed to effectively de-escalate individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or exhibiting escalating behavior in a customer service setting.
The training will cover a range of scenarios from mild distress to aggressive or threatening behavior. Team members will leave the training with a practical understanding of Adelante Mujeres' guiding principles ("Who We Are"), enhanced communication techniques, and tools to de-escalate situations in a customer service environment.
Training offered with the purpose to handle conflicts calmly and ensure a safe, welcoming farmers market environment, the following outcomes were identified for our Market Access Program:
- Definition of crisis and its stages
- Intervention and de-escalation techniques based on the stage of crisis
- Communication skills and tips for managing personal stress and maintaining calm
- Approach involving written activities, personal reflections, scenarios, group discussions, and partner de-escalation practice
Attending the Unidos US Conference allows our organization to connect with key Latine leaders, policymakers, and community advocates to gain insights on issues impacting the Latine community.
The UnidosUS Annual Conference is a national event that brings together Latine leaders, policymakers, and community advocates to discuss issues impacting the Latine community. It features workshops, training, and networking focused on advancing economic and social equity for Latine people. The Conference shed light on the critical efforts of our leaders and advocates, including closing the Latino homeownership gap, increasing access to affordable healthcare, and building political power for Latines.
With the purpose to continue expanding our network for partnerships and funding opportunities, and discuss issues impacting the Latine community to enrich our Department of Microenterprise Programs, the following outcomes were identified:
- Gain insights into policies and initiatives that impact Latine communities nationwide.
- Learn strategies for advancing economic opportunities and closing wealth gaps.
- Learn how to mobilize communities and influence policy change.
- Connect with nonprofit leaders, policymakers, funders, and advocates supporting the Latine community.
Attending NALCAB’s conference allowed the team to gain insight and discuss critical issues affecting our nation’s Latino and BIPOC communities through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and opportunities to share best practices and strategies.
The annual NALCAB Conference brings together policymakers, national Latino leaders, federal agencies, funders, and top community economic development practitioners for three days of training, collaboration, and advocacy, all aimed at advancing Latino economic mobility and racial equity.
With the purpose to continue expanding our network for partnerships and funding opportunities, gain insights, and discuss issues impacting the Latine community to enrich our Department of Microenterprise Programs, the following outcomes were identified:
- Learn best practices for providing technical assistance and funding to Latino-owned businesses.
- Understand approaches to advancing racial and economic equity within community development initiatives.
- Apply new strategies to enhance your programs in business development, housing, and financial empowerment.
- Enhance your ability to provide financial education, technical assistance, and market access for Latino businesses.
Attending the Forum provides our Regenerative Agriculture Team with the latest methodologies and practices of regenerative food and farming processes, to be applied in our soon-to-come farm incubator.
The RFSI Forum is one of the largest regenerative food systems event for discovering the why, how, and where to invest capital in agriculture and food for both financial and impact returns. Designed for individuals involved in the regenerative space for years, are eager to explore this emerging opportunity, or are simply curious, this event provides unmatched insights and networking opportunities.
With the purpose to continue working with our community garden while also creating a farm incubator for Adelante Mujeres participants of our Regenerative Agriculture Program, the following outcomes were identified:
- Learn about investment strategies, funding opportunities, and financial models that support sustainable food systems.
- Discover how businesses, farmers, and investors are driving large-scale adoption of regenerative agriculture.
- Gain insights into the growing market for regenerative food products and how to position businesses for success.
- Understand the role of policy in supporting regenerative agriculture and learn how to advocate for systemic change.
- Connect with investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to create collaborations that drive impact and profitability.
InTents is an annual conference that offers our organization the latest insights and training on recruiting and retaining farmers, vendors, and staff, managing rising costs and regulations, improving marketing and budgeting, handling conflicts, adapting to climate change, advocating for policies, and streamlining paperwork.
InTents is the largest Farmers Market Conference, that brings together market managers and participants from across the U.S. to strengthen operations, reduce stress, and boost profitability. This three-day event features presentations, panels, and roundtables, providing opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and discuss the latest trends in the farmers market industry.
We run 2 farmers markets annually (26 weeks), so keeping up to date with new trends, strategies, regulations, and guidelines is important. In 2025, the following themes were highlighted:
- From Intent to Impact: Practical Steps for Markets to create spaces of belonging and security for your community.
- Data Driven Messaging to Increase Attendance - participation, motivations for and barriers to attendance, and benefits and experiences, and options to increase attendance.
- Growing New Farmers and Markets – increasing opportunities market in an area with demand for fresh food but few farmers require thinking outside the box.
- Municipalities and Markets - Municipal relationships are critical to farmers markets' success.
Attending the Just Economy Conference allows our organization to connect with key leaders, gain insights on economic equity strategies, strengthen advocacy efforts, explore funding opportunities, and build partnerships. It is a chance to learn best practices, share our mission, and contribute to a national dialogue on creating real opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs.
The Just Economy Conference is an annual national event where leaders from communities, businesses, foundations, policy, and government come together to network, share ideas, and shape a future with real opportunities for all. This 3-day event includes a visit to Capitol Hill, in addition to keynote speakers, main stage discussions, and a variety of interactive sessions and workshops.
With the purpose to continue expanding our network for partnerships and funding opportunities, and gain insights to new just economy strategies and efforts for our Department of Microenterprise Programs, the following learning outcomes were identified:
- Climate resilience for communities: How states can protect vulnerable populations
- Trauma-informed community development
- Economic justice through state and local collaborations.
- New initiatives to strengthen financial growth for underserved communities.
The goal of the training is to understand how power really works and develop your own to gain influence and make an impact within your organization and society.
Power and Influence for Positive Impact reads as a field guide that helps individuals at any stage of their career understand how power really works and develop their own power to gain influence and make an impact—within their professional relationships, organizations, and society at large.
With the purpose to continue expanding our network for partnerships and funding opportunities for our Department of Microenterprise Programs, the following learning outcomes were identified:
- Understanding the Nature of Power
- Building Relational Sources of Power
- Earning Trust and Exercising Influence
- Leading Change in Organizations and Society
Attending NALCAB’s conference allowed the team to gain insight and discuss critical issues affecting our nation’s underserved communities through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and opportunities to share best practices and strategies.
The annual NALCAB Conference brings together policymakers, national Latino leaders, federal agencies, funders, and top community economic development practitioners for three days of training, collaboration, and advocacy, all aimed at advancing Latino economic mobility.
With the purpose to continue expanding our network for partnerships and funding opportunities, gain insights, and discuss issues impacting the Latine community to enrich our Department of Microenterprise Programs, the following learning outcomes were identified:
- Rethinking Small Business Lending Through Community, Character, and Trust
- Funder Matchmaking & Small Business Mercadito Marketplace
- Building Strong Underwriting Practices for Impact-Driven Microlending
- Safeguarding Small Business Client Data
Attending the North America Summit provides our Regenerative Agriculture Team with the latest methodologies and practices of regenerative food and farming processes, to be applied in our soon-to-come farm incubator.
The summit aims to bring together industry leaders, farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to discuss and promote regenerative agriculture practices. It serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, networking, and exploring innovative solutions to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience while improving farm profitability.
With the purpose to continue working with our community garden while also creating a farm incubator for Adelante Mujeres participants of our Regenerative Agriculture Program, the following learning outcomes were identified:
- Cover Crop Management – Practical strategies to improve soil health, fertility, and farm productivity.
- Water Management and Irrigation Strategies in Regenerative Agriculture
- Implementing Regenerative Practices for Specialty Crops
- Farm Visit: Regenerative Practices in Action, an immersive hands-on learning experience
As a business coach at Adelante Mujeres, the team is already walking alongside micro-entrepreneurs in powerful ways, being a listener, guide, motivator, the objective is rising up our participants while we rise up our soft skills and capacity.
This workshop is designed to support in deepening that work through practical coaching tools and a culturally responsive lens. Coaching in this context is about partnership. It’s not about giving advice or having all the answers—it’s about helping clients discover their own path forward with confidence and clarity.
With the purpose to continue empowering our participants, and providing new opportunities and access to services in our Department of Microenterprise Programs, the following learning outcomes were identified:
- Learn and apply the G.R.O.W. model
- Use culturally responsive coaching techniques
- Practice real coaching conversations
- Support clients facing stress, fear, or instability
As a business coach at Adelante Mujeres, the team benefits from attending a training that offers a blend of theory and practice, as well as new ideas and tools for curriculum creation and coaching methodologies.
This project-centered course is designed for anyone who wants to understand innovation best practices and the intra-corporate entrepreneurial (intrapreneur) skills needed to lead innovation projects, teams, and strategies. This course teaches to identify and communicate the nine key elements of a business model: Customer Segments, Value Proposition, Channels, Customer Relationships, Key Resources, Key Activities, Key Partners, Revenue Streams, and Cost Structure.
With the purpose to continue empowering our participants, and providing new opportunities and access to services in our Department of Microenterprise Programs, the following learning outcomes were identified:
- The Value Propositions and Client Segments
- Revenue Streams and Key Resources
- The Cost Structure
- Presenting the Business Model
As a business coach at Adelante Mujeres, the team benefits from attending a training that offers a blend of theory and practice, as well as new ideas and tools for curriculum creation and coaching methodologies.
The Northwest Economic Development Course is the premier event offering intensive training in the basic concepts, methods, and strategies of local economic development. It offers a unique opportunity to learn new techniques, relevant strategies and the latest resources to support your community economic development program.
With the purpose to continue empowering our participants, and providing new opportunities and access to services in our Department of Microenterprise Programs, the following learning outcomes were identified:
- Community & Economic Development Fundamentals
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Capital Tools for Economic Development
- Business Retention & Expansion
Enhance the ME Team’s skills and expertise as small business coaches through a training program designed to equip consultants with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively assist small businesses in improving profitability and operational efficiency.
The International Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants (AASBC) is the premier organization providing training and certification for small business consultants, ensuring they meet high professional standards.
With the purpose to continue empowering our participants, and providing new opportunities and access to services in our Department of Microenterprise Programs, the following learning outcomes were identified:
- Develop expertise in the area of small business and SME consulting.
- Support clients to improve operational performance and achieve higher profits.
- Preparation to accept small business and SME consulting engagements.
- Part of the Association as an Accredited Small Business Consultant or Accredited SME Consultant.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
Participation in national conferences, sector-specific summits, leadership courses, and technical certifications in 2025 strengthened staff capacity across farmers market development, regenerative agriculture, equitable economic development, coaching, and small business advising. Knowledge gained and applied directly impacted program design, participant engagement strategies, and community partnerships.
Staff applied coaching frameworks and business development tools to deliver more focused, participant-centered technical assistance. This resulted in stronger farm business planning, improved market readiness, and increased confidence among participants navigating production, sales, and resource access. Attendance at monthly workshops remained consistently strong, demonstrating sustained demand for bilingual agricultural education.
Learning from policy-oriented conferences informed community engagement and advocacy efforts. Two participant focus groups were conducted to better understand barriers related to land and capital access. Findings are actively shaping program refinement, land access strategies, and partnerships with private landowners and public agencies, including METRO.
A direct result and growth is the transition of our community garden into a hands-on learning hub for regenerative agriculture. Additional garden beds increased participation capacity, allowing more farmers to apply regenerative practices and harvest healthy produce. Participant engagement increased, reflecting stronger alignment with our training content and experience. The installation of a non-permanent yurt created a centralized space for workshops, education, and community gatherings, enhancing learning continuity and a sense of community.
Large-scale community events reflected increased organizational capacity and impact. The 2025 Day of the Latine Farmer held in Corvallis brought together over 150 adults and 26 children, offering accessible, bilingual workshops on pest management, seed conservation, regenerative and biointensive agriculture, and farm ventures.
Overall, staff professional development translated into improved program quality, deeper community engagement, and measurable gains in participant skills, confidence, and economic opportunity—proving the value of continued investment in training to expand impact of our current staff capacity.
We have provided technical assistance to 36 participants in our Regenerative Agriculture program, helping them strengthen their skills in sustainable farming and soil regeneration. Through hands-on guidance and workshops, participants are learning practical techniques such as composting, mulching, pest management, and water conservation to improve soil health and increase resilience to climate challenges.
This support also includes preparation for the upcoming Farm Incubator Program, which will expand these efforts on a larger scale to regenerate soil and enhance carbon retention. This season, two participants Darvin and Karla took the important step of launching their own businesses and joining community farmers markets. With our guidance and encouragement, they grew in confidence, built connections, and gained real-world experience as new entrepreneurs.
This project is a strategic investment in staff training and professional development that strengthens our agricultural programming at a time when funding limits FTE growth. Continued financial support for access to specialized farming, market, leadership, and business trainings equips our bilingual team with the skills needed to deliver high-quality technical assistance to farmers and food producers in both rural and urban settings.
As a result, participants benefit from a more prepared, focused, and knowledgeable team, leading to stronger farm business decision-making, improved market readiness, and greater confidence in applying agricultural, retail, and financial practices. Ongoing professional development has increased staff effectiveness, motivation, and accountability while allowing the program to deepen impact and sustain service quality without expanding staffing levels.