New agricultural businesses - especially those started by socially disadvantaged farmers, like immigrants - need the following assistance to succeed:
Support. On-going field support is critical for immigrant farmers, who require more one-on-one assistance. The role of a bilingual case manager and/or site manager is imperative in this area.
Training. Educational materials need to be translated, especially training materials and labels related to pesticides. Additionally, adapting methods of training and education - e.g., using more visual learning materials or translated videos - are better tools to meet new farmers’s needs.
Financial Literacy & Record-keeping. One-on-one business assistance helps overcome challenges, like writing a business plan or developing a farm budget. Further coaching is needed related to business record-keeping for sound farm management and operations.
English. Language skills are needed to support farm operations.
Networking & Relationships. Connections between immigrant and local farmers provide for a sales and marketing opportunities, collaborative education and mentoring, and operational support.
Capital & Operating Cash. Lack of sufficient funds preclude essentials needed to farm, like amending soil with lime, using the correct type of fertilizer, or repairing damage due to inclement weather.
Infrastructural Farm Needs. Support related to housing, clearing, conservation plans, water access, soils testing, refrigerated storage and much more are important to a new farm’s success.
Holistic Needs of Farmers. It is important to support the well-being of both the farmers and their families, especially children and their school needs.
Introduction of New Ideas. Creativity and innovation - like new value-added products, equipment sharing, and more - supports farm sustainability.
BEGINNING FARMER & RANCHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (BFRDP) - USDA (2012)
A 1-year grant project aimed at increasing sustainability and success for beginning farmers, this project provided education, training, mentoring, and outreach activities. From 2012-2013, BFRDP empowered members of 3 cohorts, which resulted in 80 individual graduates and 14 new farms created. Of the new farms, 13 were established by immigrant farmers, 1 belonged to a local resident farmer, and all are located in rural parts of Oahu. The farms focused on growing fruits and vegetables, taro, and livestock.
To empower local farming production and stimulate entrepreneurial activity among socially disadvantaged farmers, Pacific Gateway Center provided language assistance and culturally-centered guidance to new immigrant farmers. PGC also contributed up to 20 curriculum-related materials on Start2Farm, which included the “Hawaii New Farmers Guide,” translated into 6 languages.
