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 strongly believes that investing in staff training and professional development enhances our ability to support participants effectively. By ensuring staff have high-quality learning and coaching experiences they can provide more comprehensive guidance, tailored to the unique needs of Latine microentrepreneurs in the urban and rural agricultural sectors. This commitment to ongoing education not only improves service delivery but also fosters confidence and expertise among team members, empowering them to make a greater impact. In turn we offer our services fully in Spanish, ensuring that our team can communicate fluently and culturally resonate with participants, breaking down language barriers and making business counseling more accessible. This approach creates a more inclusive and supportive environment where entrepreneurs can fully engage, ask questions, and gain the knowledge they need to succeed.
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.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
Between 2022 and 2023, we assessed our Regenerative Agriculture Program. Project Impact 2023, began on September 26, 2022, and ended on August 1, 2023. The assessment aimed to evaluate the impact of the Regenerative Agriculture and Food Sovereignty program on Latine gardeners and farmers in Washington County. The evaluation focused on understanding the types and depth of impact our educational program and coaching we provide has on our participants. The study provided us with resources and tools for growth, enabling us to make data-driven decisions, ensure high quality programming, and identify gaps and areas of improvement.
The evaluation utilized qualitative and quantitative indicators to assess changes in participants' mental, behavioral, and emotional well-being. The Project Impact report was presented to Adelante Mujeres program leaders and the organization’s Senior Management Team. The report's completion provided the Regenerative Agriculture program with a foundational resource that led to the creation of the new 5-year strategic plan FY 2024-FY 2028.
The strategic priorities were the result of our survey, where the most relevant finding was that through our agriculture program, Latine farmers are rediscovering and reclaiming the importance and ancestral value of regenerative practices.
This gives our farmers the opportunity to celebrate the wisdom that historically comes from community-based and indigenous knowledge as well as reestablishing a symbiotic relationship with the earth.
These results led us to create our new Strategic 5-year Plan for Regenerative Agriculture and Land Access (2024-2029). Our Stategic plan has been shared with the Adelante Community via a launch party, gala, and informal meetings. During the first year of our strategic plan, our team has focused on advancing the goal of land access by leasing additional farmland with Metro as Land Access continues to be one of the biggest barriers to our community.
These past two quarters we have been working hard to advance our strategic plan by leasing 32 acres of land from Metro in Gaston, Oregon. As we are nearing the lease, we have supported revitalizing the land to ensure that it can be a regenerative agriculture oasis for our farmers to practice their craft and be able to have stable land access.
This project presents a valuable opportunity for professional development, empowering our bilingual team with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to deliver tailored educational support and technical assistance to our participants in the Latine community in the rural and urban sphere. By enhancing our team’s expertise, we can ensure that each participant receives individualized guidance that meets their unique needs. This initiative will not only strengthen our ability to assist our community but also increase our team's confidence and effectiveness in providing culturally relevant and impactful services. We would love to see further opportunities such as this one become available.