Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The primary target audience reached by this project were limited resource, socially and economically disadvantaged beginner farmers and ranchers. More specifically, the stakeholders consisted of refugee and immigrant producers from the Somali Bantu, Bhutanese, Congolese, Burundi, and other new American communities who have not operated a farm or ranch, or for less than ten years. Changes/Problems:During year 1, the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success underwent a process to transition to an independent 501 c3, leaving fiscal agent Southern NH Services, beginning October 1, 2012. ORiS experienced some difficulty in transferring the grant, but worked closely with USDA and NIFA and the problem was resolved. While ORIS did hire and sign an MOU with an English as a Second Language(ESL) instructor to deliver 48 hours of Agricultural ESL in year 2, this deliverable was not completed. The instructor's availability did not seem to be a good fit with the schedule of the participants. The instructor delivered 3 classes to 2 participants. ORIS then worked to develop a plan where the ESL would be provided on the farm and at the markets. The instructor did not follow through. During year 3, ORIS decided to instead incorporate agricultural and market ESL vocabulary into the beginner workshops series for new refugee farmers, had farmers' market roleplay workshops with advanced farmers to practice conversational English skills, and provided ESL practice on the farm and at the farm stands. This was also more effective for the farmers' busy schedules of other employment, family, and farming commitments. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Objective 1) Provide outreach and beginning level training for refugees and immigrants in Manchester, NH NASAP training coordinator delivered 8 beginning level workshops in year 1. They included: Orientation to NASAP; Introduction to Direct Marketing; a two-part CSA workshop; Farmers Market Display (delivered by Nada Haddad of UNH Cooperative Extension); Food Safety (delivered by Alice Mullen of UNHCE); Introduction to Organic Production (delivered by Ray Conner of NOFA-NH; Organic Certification (delivered by Victoria Smith (NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets and Food); and Cultural Practices for Pest and Disease Prevention (Cheryl Smith, UNHCE). 20 participants attended these trainings. NASAP staff collaborated to deliver 8 workshops for beginning farmers in year 2. They included: Season Extension; Integrated Pest Management in High Tunnels (delivered by Cheryl Smith of UNH Cooperative Extension); Alternative Energy Investments on the Farm; USDA programs (at local USDA office, with FSA, NRCS, and RD); Whole Farm Planning; Cost of Production; Market Analysis; Irrigation Management. 26 participants attended these trainings. NASAP staff delivered 8 beginning level workshops in year 3 to new farmers. They included: Orientation to NASAP; Intro. to Direct Marketing; Farmers Markets; CSA; Wholesale; Farm Expenses/Your Farm as a Business; Production Calendars; and Intro to Weed & Pest Management ORIS staff coordinated registration and interpretation logistics for 15 NASAP participants to attend the Northeast Organic Farmers Association-NH Winter Conference in 2013 and 2014 and for 3 aspiring farmers to attend in 2015. Staff collaborated with NH Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health to deliver 4 farm safety workshops in years 1 and 3. 15 participants attended trainings in year 1 and 13 new participants in year 3. Objective 2) Provide advanced farmer workshop series for participating refugee and immigrant farmers ORIS collaborated with the Cooperative Development Institute to deliver 4 workshops related to cooperative strategies. Topics included an introduction to cooperative strategies; worker cooperatives; cooperative equipment sharing; worker cooperatives; technical assistance with joint operating agreements. 2 sessions were delivered to the 4 producers in the Common Earth Farms worker cooperative. 2 workshops were targeted to 8 of the producers in the Fresh Start Farms collective. Each group had different goals for implementing cooperative strategies. All 12 farmers formed joint operating agreements specific to their business models, as a result of these sessions. ORIS coordinated an informational session with the Belknap-Merrimack-Hillsborough County USDA office annually 2013-2015 to review the application and record keeping requirements for the FSA's Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. FSA staff advised farmers to select their top 4 most valuable crops, rather than to cover all of their spring seeded annuals. There was also an emphasis on production reporting, which farmers indicated they needed additional technical assistance to complete. Other USDA and FSA programs and services were also presented. ORIS facilitated the participation of 1 staff member and 1 farmer to attend Growing Power's annual Winter Conference in Milwaukee, WI in January 2014. Objective 3) Establish and run an incubator farm that will provide land-based training and opportunities for new Americans to grow food. ORIS staff provided hands on training on high tunnel construction, as 8 refugee producers built 4 tunnels in November, 2013 ORIS provided hands on training in the high tunnels to 12 farmers on season extension for spring seeded cold-season crops and fall plantings. ORIS provided hands on training for farmers in installation of rainwater catchment systems for their high tunnels ORIS provided hands on training for farmers with installation of drip irrigation in their high tunnels ORIS provided hands on training for farmers on use of the solar powered pumps for their drip irrigation systems ORIS collaborated with UNH Cooperative Extension to deliver land based workshops on Integrated Pest Management in both the field and high tunnels. Objective 4) Facilitate market based training programs and a collective marketing initiative Staff delivered marketing workshops with a focus on farmers' markets and Community Supported Agriculture and Wholesale opportunities. Staff delivered marketing specific workshops around production planning for CSA and Wholesale accounts Staff delivered training on Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vendor requirements to 9 farmers who participated as vendors in 2014 and 2015 Staff delivered training on post harvest handling to 20 producers How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In year 1, ORIS collaborated closely with the National Immigrant Farmers Initiative in 2013 to co-host a Refugee & Immigrant Leaders in Northeast Agriculture convergence. 100+ attendees, including refugee and immigrant farmers from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts; Commissioner of Agriculture for NH, Lorraine Merrill; staff of State and County levels of Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service; staff of UNH Cooperative Extension; State of NH Refugee Coordinator, Mayor of Manchester, NH, local farmers and community members, and the Board of Directors of NIFI. In year 1, ORIS' Farm Production Specialist presented at the NOFA-NH winter conference on the New American Sustainable Agriculture Project, and the collective experience, production and crop diversity, and contributions that refugee and immigrant producers are bringing to NH agriculture. NOFA-NH and ORIS have since been in communication on how best NOFA-NH can serve this group of farmers with their programs. In year 3, ORIS's Agricultural Training Coordinator and 2 new American farmers had an informational table at the NOFA-NH winter conference, increasing public awareness of the program. During year 2, ORIS collaborated with NH USDA/NRCS and UNH Cooperative Extension to host a NH Immigrant Farmers' Innovation Twilight Meeting, at ORIS' incubator farm site. 100+ attendees, including refugee and immigrant farmers from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts; NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food's Director of Agricultural Development; staff of State and County levels of Natural Resource Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency; staff of UNH Cooperative Extension; Russel Foundation, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, Urban Farm Institute, and local farmers and community members. For all three years, ORIS staff and farmers were invited to represent NH at the New England Food Summit. In years 1 and 2, Farm Production Specialist, Anthony Munene was invited on behalf of new American farmers, as an immigrant farmer himself. In year 3, one of the new American farmers, Sylvain Bukasa, attended along with a youth Farm & Food Leader and son of another new American farmer very involved in his mother's farm business, Mohamed Daud. The summit focused on issues related to food justice. In year 2, ORIS co-facilitated a focus group for NASAP participants to provide input to the NH Food System Network as they gathered feedback throughout the state to inform the development of a NH Food Strategy. The NH Food System Network's goal for this session was to gather information from refugee producers about what they are currently doing as farmers in NH, what they would like to be doing, and what they need (resources, technical assistance, etc) to attain their dream as farmers in NH. In year 3, ORIS's Agricultural Training Coordinator was part of the NH Food Alliance "Strategy Team" and included and advocated for refugee farmers' unique needs at all Strategy Team meetings. Mukhtar Idhow, PD and Andrea Bye Co-PD presented on ORIS' BFRDP project at the annual project directors' meeting in Baltimore, MD. Mukhtar Idhow provided NASAP program updates to the National Immigrant Farming Initiative (NIFI) at monthly board meetings via conference calls. In year 3, ORIS welcomed the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture to the incubator farm for a farm tour and potluck lunch prepared by the refugee farmers. Atendees also included representatives from NRCS, UNH Cooperative Extension, the Commissioner of Agriculture for NH, and others. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The following impacts have been observed: Goal 1: Provide outreach and beginning level training for refugees and immigrants in Manchester 33 refugees attended entry level trainings on agricultural production and marketing 23 refugees accessed land at ORIS incubator farm site 12 refugees attended advanced trainings based on business planning, cooperative development and risk management strategies 14 farmers accessed land at sites in Bedford and Concord with support from ORIS 12 farmers developed business plans 12 farmers applied skills related to season extension by building and growing specialty crops in high tunnels 10 farmers applied skills related to alternative energy investments on the farm, installing and using solar powered drip irrigation Goal 2: Refugee farmers earn income through farming 20 farmers earned an income from farming 12 refugee farmers earned a minimum of $1,000 in sale Objective 1) Provide outreach and beginning level training for refugees and immigrants in Manchester, NH Outcome: 26 participants increased knowledge of production and marketing strategies Outcome: 26 participants increased knowledge on how to create a production plan for CSA Outcome: 26 participants learn about the National Organic Program standards and certification process Outcome: 26 participants learn about Food Safety and Post Harvest Handling practices Outcome: 26 farmers learn practices in preventing pests and disease Outcome: 26 participants increased knowledge about quality control and packaging standards Outcome: 15 participants increase awareness of farm safety risks and prevention Outcome: 15 participants increase knowledge of farm and market English vocabulary. Objective 2) Provide advanced agricultural training opportunities for participating refugee and immigrant farmers Outcome: provided support to 8 farmers applying to NRCS/EQIP for their own high tunnels Outcome: 8 farmers construct 4 high tunnels via EQIP contracts Outcome: Refugee farmers in NH have increased access to agricultural service providers, whom have a better understanding of these farmers' needs Outcome: 8 farmers develop production plans that include season extension Outcome: 8 farmers increase knowledge about Federal Farm Income Taxes/Schedule F and file a Schedule F for the first time Outcome: 8 farmers increase knowledge about preparing an enterprise budget Outcome: 8 farmers increased knowledge about USDA programs Outcome: 8 farmers increase knowledge about recordkeeping requirements for the Non-Insured Disaster Assistance Program Outcome: 6 beginning farmers participate in NAP. Outcome: 6 farmers adopt new recordkeeping practices through participating in NAP. Outcome: 8 beginning farmers implemented business plans and evaluated achievement of farm goals. Outcome: 2 farmers apply for FSA Microloan Assistance Program Outcome: 8 participants complete NASS census Outcome: 12 farmers increased knowledge about cooperative principles related to farm businesses and develop cooperative agreements as part of farm business plans Outcome: 12 farmers develop business plans with cash flow projections Objective 3: Establish and run an incubator farm that will provide land-based training and opportunities for new Americans to grow food Coordinated land use for 37 new Americans to grow food. 23 Farmers accessed farmland at ORIS's 7 acre incubator farm site in Dunbarton; 7 additional farmers accessed farmland and greenhouse for seedling production in Bedford; 7 additional farmers accessed farmland at a site in Concord with support from ORIS Provided on-site consultation and technical assistance for producers to overcome production challenges, including pest and wildlife control, access to water for irrigation, soil fertility management, weed management, cover cropping and season extension Provided technical assistance for EQIP contracts Received a Conservation Innovation Grant to install rainwater catchment systems to the 5 high tunnels and equip each tunnel with solar-powered drip irrigation. Outcome: 22 farmers implemented production techniques learned in orientation workshops, at the incubator farm site in Dunbarton. Outcome: 22 farmers utilized post-harvest area at incubator farm. Outcome: 22 farmers experience an increase in the quality of life through farming. Outcome: 12 farmersextended the season Outcome: 10 farmers adopt alternative energy systems on the farm. Outcome: 10 farmers implement drip irrigation in the high tunnels. Outcome: 10 farmers demonstrate conservation innovation practices to over 70 farmers and technical service providers from NH, ME, and MA and CT. Outcome: Refugee farmers in New Hampshire become recognized as experienced growers who are contributing positively towards sustainable farm and food systems in the region. Outcome: There is growing interest in high tunnel production among refugee farmers in NH Objective 4) Facilitate market based training programs and a collective marketing initiative Increased marketing efficacy of Fresh Start Farms brand through promotion and outreach Facilitated sales for a 90 member (total by end of project) CSA program Coordinated an 18 week multi-farm CSA, at multiple pick-up sites, communicating delivery logistics to the farmers on an ongoing basis. Supported farmers to establish their first wholesale account with a local grocery chain and by end of project expand to additional wholesale accounts Provided TA to 10 farmers with completion of farmers market applications and SFMNP paperwork Provided on-site TA with post-harvest handling for CSA, wholesale and SFMNP for 18 weeks Assisted farmers with invoicing and record keeping Supported 3-4 farmers selling as Common Earth Farm, which operates independently Outcome: 20 refugees earned an income from farming, increasing financial stability of their families. Outcome: 20 growers sold produce through Fresh Start Farms Outcome: 12 refugees earned a minimum of $1,000 in sales Outcome: 9 farmers grew, delivered, etc. CSA shares independently Outcome: 15 farmers improved quality control standards and post-harvest handling guidelines Outcome: 10 farmers increased revenue via season extension Outcome: Refugee farm businesses continue to grow with increased recognition and sales for Fresh Start Farms, indicated by growth of CSA and other market outlets Objective 5) Share resources and best practices with other refugee training programs throughout New England and the country Hired evaluation consultant to assist with program planning and evaluation. Facilitated participatory program evaluation Shared farmer training and agricultural ESL curricula with the Somali Bantu Community Outreach-MA and Clark University Collaborated with Cooperative Development Institute and UNH Cooperative Extension to deliver training and technical assistance that would meet the needs of refugee farmers. Collaborated with USDA state and county offices to deliver culturally appropriate outreach on existing programs and services Shared resources and best practices on getting farmers to participate in USDA programs Collaborated closely with the National Immigrant Farmers Initiative in 2013 to co-host a Refugee & Immigrant Leaders in Northeast Agriculture convergence Represented NH and immigrant farmers at the New England Food Summit for 3 years Coordinated two phone conferences with other BFRDP grantees Outcome: Farmers provide feedback on what has worked well and what needs improvement and staff has incorporated participant feedback into the program Outcome: Other organizations are aware of NASAP and of the contributions of refugee farmers to local agriculture Outcome: Staff mutually supports other refugee farm programs Outcome: Staff engages in professional development that enhances their capacity to support refugee farmers Outcome: Other technical service providers in the state and region have a better understanding of the needs of refugee farmers and how best to deliver services.

Publications

Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: This projects addressed the needs of limited resource and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers. The stakeholders are Congolese, Burundi, Bhutanese, Somali Bantu and other adult new American farmers living in Manchester, NH. Changes/Problems: While ORIS did hire and sign an MOU with an English as a Second Language(ESL)instructor to deliver 48 hours of Agricultural ESL, this deliverable was not completed. The instructor's availabilty did not seem to be a good fit wtih the schedule of the participants. The instructor delivered 3 classes to 2 participants. ORIS then worked to develop a plan where the ESL would be provided on the farm and at the markets. The instructor did not follow through. For the next reporting period, we will be working with a group of newly arrived refugees, who really could benefit from Agricultural ESL. We willfirst determinethe schedule that will best meet this group's needs, and thenidentify an instructor who can deliver the ESL intruction at the desired times. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Objective 1) Provide outreach and beginning level training for refugees and immigrants in Manchester, NH. *NASAP staff collaborated to deliver 8 workshops for beginning farmers: Season Extension; Integrated Pest Management in High Tunnels (delivered by Cheryl Smith of UNH Cooperative Extension); Alternative Energy Investments on the Farm; USDA programs (at local USDA office, with FSA, NRCS, and RD); Whole Farm Planning; Cost of Production; Market Analysis; Irrigation Management.26 participants attended these trainings. (# that completed the 8 week course as entry level requirement).*ORIS staff coordinatedregistration and interpretation logisticsfor 15 NASAP participants to attend the Northeast Organic Farmers Association-NH Winter Conference in February, 2014. Objective 2) Provide advanced farmer workshop series for participating refugee and immigrant farmers. *ORIS collaborated with the Cooperative Development Institute to deliver 4 workshops related to cooperative strategies. Topics included, an introduction to cooperative strategies; worker cooperatives; cooperative equipment sharing; worker cooperatives; technical assistance with joint operating agreements. 2sessions weredelivered to the 4 producers in the Common Earth Farms worker cooperative. 2 workshops were targeted to 8 of the producers in the Fresh Start Farms collective. Each group had different goals for implementing cooperative strategies. All 12 farmers formed joint operating agreements specific to their business models, as a result of these sessions. *ORIS coordinated an informational sessionwith the Belknap-Merrimack-Hillsborough County USDA office to review the application and record keeping requirements for the FSA's Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. This year FSA staff advised farmers to select their top 4 most valuable crops, rather than to cover all of their spring seeded annuals. There was also an emphasis on production reporting, which farmers indicated they needed additional technical assistance to complete. *ORIS facilitated the participation of 1 staff member and 1 farmer to attend Growing Power's annual Winter Conference in Milwaukee, WI inJanuary 2014. Objective 3) Establish and run an incubator farm that will provide land-based training and opportunities for new Americans to grow food. *ORIS Farm Production Specialist provided hands on trainingonhigh tunnel construction, as8 refugee producers built4tunnels in November, 2013 *ORIS Farm Production Specialist provided hands on training in the high tunnels to 12 farmers on season extension in February, for spring seeded cold-season crops, and in August for fall plantings. *ORIS Farm Production Specialist provided hands on training for farmers in installation of rainwater catchment systems for their high tunnels in April 2014. *ORIS Farm Production Specialist provided hands on training for farmers with installation of drip irrigation in their high tunnels in May 2014. *ORIS Farm Production Specialist provided hands on training for farmers on use of the solar powered pumps for their drip irrigation systems in May 2014. *ORIS collaborated with UNH Cooperative Extensionto deliver land based workshops on Integrated Pest Management in both the field and high tunnels. Objective 4) Facilitate market based training programs and a collective marketing initiative. * Staff delivered marketing workshops with a focus on farmers' markets and Community Supported Agriculture and Wholesale opportunities. *Staff delivered marketing specific workshops around production planning for CSA and Wholesale accounts in January. * Staff delivered training on Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vendor requirements to 9 farmers who participated as vendors in 2014. *Staff dellivered training on post harvest handling to 20 producers in May, 2014. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? ORIS collaborated with NH USDA/NRCS and UNH Cooperative Extension to host a NH Immigrant Farmers' Innovation Twilight Meeting, at ORIS' incubator farm site. 100+ attendees, including refugee and immigrant farmers from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts; NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food's Director of Agricultural Development; staff of State and County levels of Natural Resource Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency; staff of UNH Cooperative Extension; Russel Foundation, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, Urban Farm Institute, and local farmers and community members. ORIS' Farm Production Specialist, Anthony Munene was invited to represent NH at the New England Food Summit, for the second year in a row, on behalf of new American farmers, as an immigrant farmer himself. ORIS co-facilitated a focus group for NASAP participants to provideinput to the NH Food System Network as they gathered feedback throughout the stateto inform the development of a NH Food Strategy. The NH Food System Network's goal for this session was togatherinformation fromrefugee producersabout what they are currently doing as farmers in NH, what they would like to be doing, and what they need (resources, technical assistance, etc) to attain their dream as farmers in NH. Mukhtar Idhow, PD and Andrea Bye Co-PDpresented on ORIS' BFRDP project at the annual project directors' meeting in Baltimore, MD. Mukhtar Idhow provided NASAP program updates to the National Immigrant Farming Initiative (NIFI) at monthly board meetings via conference calls. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Objective 1) Provide outreach and beginning level training for refugees and immigrants in Manchester, NH. *ORIS staff continue to conduct multilingual outreach about the NASAP programto refugees and immigrants in Manchester and Concord, NH. * ORIS staff will host a NASAP orientation session for interested new particpants to learn about the program goals and requirements. *ORIS staff will schedule and conduct intake interviews with participants who attend orientation and want to participate in the training program. *ORIS staff will schedule and conduct annual assessments with returning participants to set training and business goals for 2015. *ORIS will draft annual training, workshop and conference schedule for 2015, and deliver 6-8 beginning level workshops on agricultural production and marketing. *ORIS will provide ESL classes and ESL based financial literacy classes. *ORIS will maintain a database of farmers participating in NASAP programs. Objective 2) Provide advanced farmer workshop series for participating refugee and immigrant farmers. * Staff will continue to refine the advanced farmer workshop series to meet the training and t/a of existing participants around record keeping, business planning and taxes. *Staff will conduct outreach to participants regarding advanced training opportunities. *Staff will facilitate farmers' attendance at trainings, and coordinate translation. *Staff will continue to collaborate with local USDA offices to conduct outreach on programs and servicessupporting farmers. *Staff will provide technical assistance to facilitate participation of interested producers in relevant USDA programs. *Staff will work with 10 farmers todevelop their business plans for 2015. Most of these farmers are applying for small business IDA's and will need to have their business plans approved. Objective 3) Establish and run an incubator farm that will provide land-based training and opportunities for new Americans to grow food. * ORIS staff is working with the landowners of the Dunbarton incubator farm to identify opportunities to put land under a conservation easement, in partnership with the Russel Foundation, Equity Trust, and 5 Rivers Land Trust. This is part of a strategy to establish a long-term ground lease, given the owners are aging, and do not want to pass the land to their children. *ORIS staff is submitting a proposal to the City of Concord to establish an additional incubator farm site on city owned farmland. This would expand opportunities for refugees resettled in Concord to access land to grow food and establish farm businesses. *ORIS will continue to manage the incubator farm site in Dunbarton, and provide land based training and technical assistance. *ORIS is working with farmers to identify strategies for land access beyond the incubator farm . One opportunity that farmers have advocated for is to transition the active management of the Dunbarton site to the existing group as a land based cooperative, while ORIS seeks land elsewhere for its incubator farm. Objective 4) Facilitate market based training programs and a collective marketing initiative. *Staff will deliver marketing specific workshops that build skills in production planning, post harvest handling, and record keeping. *Staff will increase marketing efficacy of Fresh Start Farms NH branding through promotion and outreach; *Staff willfacilitate collective sales trhough Fresh Start Farms brand name, including invoicing customers and paying farmers *Staff will provide support for sales through an incubator CSA and wholesale accounts *Staff will provide technical assistance with post-harvest and handling through point of sale. *Staff will provide technical assistance for producers filling out market applications, including the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Staff will continue seeking out farmers' markets within the region which are taking on additional produce vendors. *Staff will provide support for sales at incubator farmers markets. *Staff will provide one-to-one assistance with invoicing and sales records. Objective 5) Share resources and best practices with other refugee training programs throughout New England and the country. *ORIS' Project Directorwill attend the BFRDP annual PD meeting, as scheduled. *Staff will coordinate with National Immigrant Farming Initiative, the Northeast Incubator Farm Training Initiative, and the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, and other programs to share resources. *Staff wil coordinate with Northeast Organic Farmers Association of NH, UNH Cooperative Extension, and other service providers to register for regional and national conferences and workshops. *Staff will hire a 3rd Party evaluation consultant to conduct a participatory evaluation of Southern New Hampshire Services and Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success' 3 year BFRDP project.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During the 2nd year of this standard 3-year BFRDP project, the following measurable impacts have been observed: Goal 1: Increase the number of Refugees with Agricultural Knowledge and Skills 26 participans attended entry level workshops focused on agriculturual production, marketing andwhole farmplanning (Up from 20 in year 1). 19 farmers accessed land at ORIS incubator farm site; 7 farmers accessed land at separate site with support from ORIS. 12 farmers attended andvanced trainings based on business planning and cooperative development strategies. 12 farmers developed business plans. 10farmers apply knowledge and skills related to season extension by building and growing specialty crops in high tunnels. 10 farmers apply knowledge and skills related to alternative energy investments on the farm,installing and utilizingsolar powered drip irrigation. Goal 2: Refugee growers begin to earn an income from farming. 18 farmers earn an income from farming (up from 15 in year 1). 12 farmers earned a minimum of $1,000 in sales (up from 9 in year 10. Objective 1) Provide outreach and beginning level training for refugees and immigrants in Manchester, NH. For list of activities, see opportunities for training and professional development. Outcome: 26 participants increased their knowledge of agricultural production and marketing strategies. Outcome: 26 farmers increase knowledge about season extension in New Hampshire. Outcome: 26 farmers increase knowledge about integrated pest management strategies specific to indoor production. Outcome: 26 farmers increase knowledge of alternative energy investments on the farm. Outcome: 26 farmers increase understanding of whole farm planning. Outcome: 26 farmers increase knowledge of the costs of production and marketing. Outcome: 26 farmers increase knowledge of market research and analysis. Outcome: 26 farmers increase knowledge of USDA programs and services. Outcome: 12 farmers increase knowledge of farm and market English vocabulary. Objective 2) Provide advanced agricultural training opportunities for participating refugee and immigrant farmers. For comprehensive list of activities, see training and professional development section. Outcome: 12 farmers increased knowledge about cooperative principles related to farm businesses. Outcome; 12 farmers develop formalcooperativeagreements as part of their farm business plans. Outcome: 12 farmers develop whole farm business plans, including cash flow projections. Outcome: 6 farmers participate in the Farm Service Agency (FSA) Non-insured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). Outcome: 6 farmers adopt new recordkeeping practices through participating in the NAP. Outcome: 8 farmers file a schedule F. Outcome: 8 farmers develop production plans that include season extension. Objective 3) Establish and run an incubator farm that will provide land-based training and opportunities for new Americans to grow food. ORIS coordinated land use for 26 new Americans to grow food. 20 farmers access farmland at ORIS' 7 acre incubator farm in Dunbarton; 6 additionalfarmers access farmland and greenhouse for seedling production ata differentsite in Bedford, NH, with support from ORIS. ORIS' Farm Production Specialist provided on-site consultation for producers to overcome production challenges, including, but not limited to pest and wildlife control, weed management, access to water for irrigation, soil fertility management, cover cropping, and season extension. In 2014, ORIS received a Conservation Innovation Grant from NRCS to install rainwater catchment systemsto the 5 high tunnels, and equip each tunnel with solar-powered drip irrigation. Outcome: 20NASAP participants implemented production techniques learned in orientation workshops, at the incubator farm site in Dunbarton.Outcome: 6 NASAP participants implemented seedling production techniquesat greenhouse in Bedford. Outcome: 10 NASAP participants extend the season from 7 to 9 months, utilizing 5 high tunnels. Outcome: 10 NASAP participants adopt alternative energy systems on the farm. Outcome: 10 NASAP participantsimplement drip irrigation in the high tunnels. Outcome: 10 NASAP participants demonstrate conservation innovation practices to over 70 farmers and technical service providers fromNew Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Outcome: Refugee farmers in New Hampshire become recognized as experienced growers who are contributing positively towards sustainable farm and food systems in the region. Objective 4) Facilitate market based training programs and a collective marketing initiative. Activities: * Staff increased marketing efficacy of Fresh Start Farms collective brand through promotion and outreach. *Staff facilitated sales for a 75 member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, under the Fresh Start Farms NH brand. *Staff coordinated 18 week multi-farm CSA, at multiple pick up sites, communicating share sizes anddelivery logisticsto the farmers on an ongoing basis.*Staff supported farmersto establish their firstwholesale account with a local grocery chain. *Staff provided technical assistance to 10 farmers with completion of farmers market applications. * Staff assisted 9 farmers to complete vendor paperwork for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. *Staff provided on-site technical assistance with post-harvest and handling for CSA, wholesale and SFMNP accounts, 3 days/week for 18 weeks.*Staff assisted farmers with invoicing and record keeping for the CSA, wholesale and SFMNP accounts. *Staff facilitated billing of customers and payment of farmers for CSA and wholesale accounts.*Staff supported 4 farmers selling as, Common Earth Farm, which operated independently. Outcome: 19refugees earned an income from farming in 2014, increasing the finanical stability of their families. Outcome: 12 refugees earn a minimum of $1,000 in sales. Outcome: 8 farmers grow, harvest, package and deliver CSA shares independently. Outcome: 15 farmers improve quality control standards and post-harvest handling guidelines. Outcome: 10 farmers increase revenue via season extension, accessing markets 2 months earlier, and 6 weeks later. Outcome: Refugee farm businesses continue to grow with increased recognition and sales for both Fresh Start Farms and Common Earth Farm. Objective 5) Share resources and best practices with other refugee training programs throughout New England and the country. Activities: * Hired evaluation consultant to assist with program planning and evaluation.*Facilitated participatory program evaluation.*Shared farmer training and agricultural ESL curricula with the Somali Bantu Community Outreach-MA and Clark University to support the development of a new refugee farmer training program in Worcester, MA. *Collaborated with Cooperative Development Institute and UNH Cooperative Extension to deliver training andtechnical assistancethat would meet the needs of refugee farmers. *ORIS collaborated with USDA state and county offices to deliver culturally appropriate outreach on existing programs and services. * Staff shared resources and best practices on getting farmers to particpate in USDA programs, including the Envirionmental Quality Incentives Program and the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program with Cultivating Community, in Portland, ME. Outcome:NASAPparticipantsprovide feedback on what has worked well and what needs improvement in all program aspects.Outcome: Staff have incorporated participant feedback into the program itself. Outcome: Other organizations are aware of this project, and of the contributions of refugee farmers to local agriculture. Outcome: Staff mutually support other refugee farm programs. Outcome: Staff engage in professional development that enhances their capacity to support refugee farm businesses. Outcome: Other technical service providers in the state and region havea better understanding of the needs of refugee farmers, and how best to deliver services.

Publications

Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: This project addresses the needs of limited resource and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers. The stakeholders are Congolese, Burundi, Bhutanese, Somali Bantu and other adult new American farmers living in Manchester, NH. Changes/Problems: The Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success underwent a process to transition as an independent 501 c3, leaving fiscal agent Southern NH Services, beginning October 1, 2012. ThisBFRDP grant remained handled by SNHS up through September 30, 2013. ORIS is still experiencing technical difficulties in transferring the grant, including through the ReePort system. Until December 16th, there was no active project recognized by the system. ORIS' Executive Director and PD on this project is working closely with USDA/NIFA to resolve the issues that have come up. The PD is also working with SNHS to draw down BFRDP funds, until the grant funds are transferred to ORIS' account. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Objective 1)Provide outreach and beginning level training for refugees and immigrants in Manchester, NH. NASAP training coordinator scheduled and collaborated to deliver eight beginning level workshops: Orientation to NASAP; Introduction to Direct Marketing; a two-part CSA workshop; Farmers Market Display (delivered by Nada Haddad of UNH Cooperative Extension); Food Safety (delivered by Alice Mullen of UNHCE); Introduction to Organic Production (delivered by Ray Conner of NOFA-NH; Organic Certification (delivered by Victoria Smith (NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets and Food); and Cultural Practices for Pest and Disease Prevention (Cheryl Smith, UNHCE). 20 participants attended trainings (# that completed the 8 week course as entry level requirement). ORIS partnered to deliver ESL and ESL based financial literacy classes. Classes took place three days a week from January-April. 15 participants attended trainings. Staff collaborated with NH Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health to deliver 4 farm safety workshops. 15 participants attended trainings. Agricultural Training Coordinator organized logistics for 15 NASAP participants to attend the NOFA-NH Winter Conference in March. Objective 2)Provide advanced agricultural training opportunities for participating refugee and immigrant farmers. Coordinated advanced farmer workshop series which provided training and technical assistance in creating a business plan. The Agricultural Training Coordinator collaborated with: Farm Credit East to provide an overview of the Schedule “F”, and record keeping, as well as providing information of farm loans and services available for farmers at their office. Staff coordinated logistics for an informational session with the Farm Service Agency on the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, and the necessary reporting requirements. The FSA also conducted outreach about their new Microloan program. Two farmers applied for FSA microloans. The training coordinator provided technical assistance on completing the applications and setting up the interviews, including arrangements for interpretation. The Farm Production Specialist coordinated with NRCS regarding refugee farmers’ participation in EQIP and other conservation programs. Objective 5) Share resources and best practices with other refugee training programs throughout New England and the country. Agricultural Training Coordinator participated in the Farmland Advisors, a training program on Farmland Access and Farm Transfers put on by American Farmland Trust, and Land for Good. This two year training of trainers was funded by a SARE grant. ORIS participated in this professional development opportunity to prepare for transitioning beginning farmers off of the incubator farm. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? ORIS collaborated closely with the National Immigrant Farmers Initiative in 2013 to co-host a Refugee & Immigrant Leaders in Northeast Agriculture convergence. 100+ attendees, including refugee and immigrant farmers from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts; Commissioner of Agriculture for NH, Lorraine Merrill; staff of State and County levels of Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service; staff of UNH Cooperative Extension; State of NH Refugee Coordinator, Mayor of Manchester, NH, local farmers and community members, and the Board of Directors of NIFI. ORIS’ Farm Production Specialist, Anthony Munene to represent NH at the New England Food Summit, at the University of Southern ME, in June. Mr. Munene attended the two day summit focusing on food justice, representing new American farmers, as an immigrant farmer himself. There were about 150 attendees, each State sending a delegation, plus additional stakeholders. ORIS’ Farm Production Specialist presented at the NOFA-NH winter conference on the New American Sustainable Agriculture Project, and the collective experience, production and crop diversity, and contributions that refugee and immigrant producers are bringing to NH agriculture. NOFA-NH and ORIS have since been in communication on how best NOFA-NH can serve this group of farmers with their programs. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Objective 1) Provide outreach and beginning level training for refugees and immigrants in Manchester, NH. Staff will conduct intake interviews for new and returning participants to identify training and business goals for 2014. The Agricultural Training Coordinator is refining the beginning farmer curriculum for new participants, and for those who accessed NASAP for the first year in 2013, who may benefit from revisiting some basic direct marketing concepts. ORIS continues to provide technical assistance to many agencies providing farmer education, including the UNH Cooperative Extension, NOFA-NH, and the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, on how to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate workshops to these farmers. ORIS will continue to collaborate with ESL instructors on providing agricultural ESL and ESL based financial literacy workshops, by indentifying the skills identified and required by participants to operate farm businesses. Objective 2) Provide advanced agricultural training opportunities for participating refugee and immigrant farmers. It is anticipated that 12 farmers will participate in business planning workshops in FY2014. Eight originals will refine their business plans, to include production and marketing plans for their joint high tunnel operations; and four new farmers will create business plans for the first time. Focus will begin on transitioning farm businesses to independence away from the incubator. The Agricultural Training Coordinator will continue to collaborate with FSA, NRCS, Farm Credit East to conduct outreach on existing programs supporting farmers, and to provide technical assistance to facilitate participation of interested producers. Staff will facilitate6-8 farmers access to ORIS’ high tunnel to learn hands-on production methods. ORIS staff will continue to coordinate farmers’ participation in EQIP and other conservation programs. Objective 3) Establish and run an incubator farm that will provide land-based training and opportunities for new Americans to grow food. Staff will continue to focus energies primarily on the farm site in Dunbarton, providing technical assistance to producers, and managing farm activities. This site is set to be an NRCS demonstration site for the State of NH in 2014 for the Conservation Innovation Grant, modeling activities described above. The additional site in Bedford, which was allocated for community gardeners by ORIS in 2013, will be assessed and discussed for future use by trainees. Staff will meet to discuss the activity “Seek additional land to match both new and experienced farmers with lease opportunities” that we are slated to begin in FY2014. One potential site supports Common Earth Farm, formerly an incubator of the International Institute of New Hampshire. These farmers wish to continue farming, and the landowner is willing to continue leasing. In order to facilitate farmers independence, (as the previous program modeled job training, rather than a business incubator) the producers and the landowner have contacted ORIS to provide training and technical assistance. We are currently negotiating our role, which will be somewhat limited, due to staffing, but might include liability insurance, negotiating a lease agreement, and providing technical assistance in the existing greenhouse to grow seedlings during the winter months January-April. These producers will attend the advance training sessions outlined in Objective 2. Another potential site has been offered by the Manchester YMCA: 12 acres within 20 miles for use by trainees. There is even potential for a farmer to access housing on site. Objective 4) Facilitate market based training programs and a collective marketing initiative. ORIS will continue to increase marketing efficacy of Fresh Start Farms branding through promotion and outreach; and to facilitate collective sales through an incubator CSA and wholesale accounts. We anticipate growing the CSA to 75 members in 2014 and to 100 members by the end of this project. ORIS will continue to provide technical assistance for producers in filling out market applications, including the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Staff will continue seeking out farmers’ markets within the region which are taking on additional produce vendors. As advanced farmers become more comfortable with post-harvest and handling, and accessing markets independently, ORIS anticipates providing to access more direct market opportunities for the participants accessing the project at the beginning market gardener level. Objective 5) Share resources and best practices with other refugee training programs throughout New England and the country. ORIS’ Executive Director will attend PD meetings as scheduled. ORIS will continue to work with Ms. Carrington as project planning and evaluation consultant to: Determine project performance, compare activities and outcomes to proposed performance measures. Submit annual evaluation findings and a final evaluation at the end of the project ORIS will continue to utilize opportunities to network and collaborate with regional and national organizations serving beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers to share resources and best practices.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Impact Statement: In the first year of this standard 3-year BFRDP project, the following measurable impacts have been observed: Goal 1: Increase the number of Refugees with Agricultural Knowledge and Skills 20 refugees attended entry level NASAP orientation trainings focused on agricultural production and marketing. 22 refugees accessed farm land at ORIS incubator farm site. 8refugee growers attended advanced trainings based on business planning and risk management strategies. 8farmers developed business plans. Goal 2: Refugee growers begin to earn an income from farming 15 farmers earned an income from farming. 9refugee farmers earned a minimum of $1,000 in sales. Objective 1)Provide outreach and beginning level training for refugees and immigrants in Manchester, NH. For list of activities, see opportunities for training and professional development. Outcome: 20 NASAP participants increased their knowledge of agricultural production and marketing strategies. Outcome: 20 participants increase awareness of the National Agricultural Statistics Survey. Outcome: 20 participants increase knowledge on how to create a production plan for single and multi-farm Community Supported Agriculture enterprises. Outcome: 20 farmers learn about the National Organic Program standards and certification process. Outcome: 20 farmers learn about Food Safety and Post Harvest Handling practices. Outcome: 20 farmers learn cultural practices in preventing pests and disease. Outcome: 20 farmers increased knowledge about quality control and packaging standards. Outcome: 15 farmers increase awareness of farm safety risks and how to prevent them. Outcome: 15 farmers increase knowledge of farm and market English vocabulary. Objective 2)Provide advanced agricultural training opportunities for participating refugee and immigrant farmers. For comprehensive list of activities, see training and professional development section. Staff provided support to 8 farmers applying to NRCS/EQIP for their own high tunnels. Outcome: 8 Advanced Market Gardeners increased knowledge about business planning and risk management strategies. Outcome: 8 farmers increase knowledge about Federal Farm Income Taxes/Schedule F. Outcome: 6 farmers file a Schedule F for the first time. Outcome: 8 farmers increase knowledge about preparing an enterprise budget. Outcome: 8 Advanced Market Gardeners increased knowledge about USDA programs and services. Outcome: 8 farmers increase knowledge about recordkeeping requirements for the Non-Insured Disaster Assistance Program. Outcome: 8 beginning farmers implemented business plans and evaluated achievement of farm goals, strategies, and finances. Outcome: 6 beginning farmers participate in the Farm Service Agency (FSA) Non-insured Disaster Assistance Program. Outcome: 2 farmers apply for FSA Microloan Assistance Program. Outcome: 8 farmers file a Schedule F. Outcome: 8 participants complete NASS census for 2012. Outcome: 8 farmers construct 4 high tunnels via individual EQIP contracts. Outcome: Refugee farmers in NH have increased access to agricultural service providers, whom have a better understanding of these farmers needs. Objective 3)Establish and run an incubator farm that will provide land-based training and opportunities for new Americans to grow food. • Coordinated land use for 22 new Americans to grow food at 7 acre incubator farm in Dunbarton, NH. • Provided on-site consultation and technical assistance for producers to overcome production challenges, including, but not limited to pest and wildlife control, access to water for irrigation, soil fertility management, weed management, and season extension. In 2013, the farm manager provided technical assistance for the following EQIP contracts: Mulching, Irrigation Plan, and Wildlife Fencing. The farm production specialist also managed ORIS’ high tunnel contract, providing training opportunities for the 8 advanced farmers to grow tomatoes inside the tunnel. Outcome: 22 NASAP participants implemented production techniques learned in orientation workshops, at the incubator farm site. Outcome: 22 farmers utilize post-harvest area at incubator farm. Outcome: 8 Advanced Market Gardeners implemented production methods via access to ORIS’ high tunnel. Outcome: 22 NASAP participants experience an increase in the quality of life through farming. Outcome: There is growing interest in high tunnel production among refugee farmers in New Hampshire. Objective 4) Facilitate market based training programs and a collective marketing initiative. • Increased marketing efficacy of Fresh Start Farms collective brand, through promotion and outreach. * Facilitated sales for 20 farmers via the Fresh Start Farms collective for Community Supported Agriculture and Wholesale accounts.. • Staff assisted 10 farmers to apply as vendors in the NH Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Staff provided technical assistance with post-harvest and handling, and invoicing to meet the State’s requirements. • Staff assisted seven farmers apply as vendors at eight mainstream farmers markets.. • Staff assisted farmers with invoicing and record keeping for the CSA, SFMNP and Wholesale deliveries. Outcome: 20 market gardeners sold produce via Farmers’ Markets, CSA and wholesale outlets through the Fresh Start Farms collective annually. Outcome: 15-20 Beginning Market Gardeners increased knowledge about quality control standards and post-harvest handling guidelines. Outcome: 20 Market Gardeners increase the financial stability of their families. Outcome: 10 refugees became beginning farmers as evidenced in >$1,000 sales. Outcome: Fresh Start Farms brand recognition continues to increase, indicated by the growth of the collective CSA and wholesale enterprises. Objective 5) Share resources and best practices with other refugee training programs throughout New England and the country. • ORIS collaborated closely with the National Immigrant Farmers Initiative in 2013 to co-host a Refugee & Immigrant Leaders in Northeast Agriculture convergence. 100+ attendees, including refugee and immigrant farmers from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts; Commissioner of Agriculture for NH, Lorraine Merrill; staff of State and County levels of Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service; staff of UNH Cooperative Extension; State of NH Refugee Coordinator, Mayor of Manchester, NH, local farmers and community members, and the Board of Directors of NIFI. • ORIS’ Farm Production Specialist, Anthony Munene representedNH at the New England Food Summit, at the University of Southern ME, in June. Mr. Munene attended the two day summit focusing on food justice, representing new American farmers, as an immigrant farmer himself. • Staffcoordinated two phone conferences with other BFRDP grantees. The first phone conference was with the Farley Institute of WI, and Cultivating Community, to share resources and best practices on facilitating a multi-farm incubator CSA; the second was with the Farley Center and the MN Food Association on organic certification on an incubator farm, working with pre-literate producers. ORIS hired evaluation consultant, to assist with program planning and evaluation. Outcome: Other organizations are aware of this project, and of the contributions of refugee farmers to local agriculture. Outcome: Staff mutually support other refugee farm programs. Outcome: Staff engage in professional development that enhances their capacity to support refugee farm businesses.

Publications