I’m very interested in local foods, community supported agriculture and refugees. It’s my hope to build a network of churches having community gardens - and build a movement - of church people and refugees gardening together and buliding friendships through a common interest in local foods. If you know of churches having community gardens or are interested in this type of ministry, please contact me. – Darrell Cox, Executive Director minnesota@wr.org
10 Reasons why I Love Refugee Farming
By Lauren Swain
in Refugee Agricultural Promotion Projects Blog (ISED)
Here are the top-10 reasons for loving refugee agriculture (and you have probably already have a similar list!):
1) Just like the arts and sports, agriculture is a universally enjoyable, life-enriching activity that transcends language, literacy, and cultural boundaries.
2) Many Americans have a deep respect for agriculture and work it involves– agricultural activity helps refugees gain respect and a valued place in our communities.
3) Many refugees come from agrarian societies–working in agriculture in the United States helps them feel at home while adjusting to American life.
4) Agriculture is an activity that bridges generations–both young and old have a special affinity for working the earth and harvesting its fruits.
5) Agricultural commerce allows refugees to earn needed supplemental income without requiring English fluency.
6) Many community groups support urban agriculture. These projects bring people together from diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds in a productive, enjoyable, shared activity.
7) Urban farming provides low-income communities with fresh, nutritious food that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.
8 ) Agriculture teaches many positive lessons about life: the value of effort, patience, interdependence, the value of developing ones skills and knowledge-base
9) Agriculture provides many opportunities for physical exercise that might not be available otherwise in low-income communities.
10) Both Americans and many refugee and immigrants cultures take a great deal of pride and pleasure in growing their own food. Many farmers like to share their skills and sow the seeds for future generations of immigrant farmers. Communities love to put vacant lots to productive use. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
Read/view a Report from the 5th Annual Immigrant Farming Conference which was held February 19-20 in St. Paul (from Twin Cities Daily Planet)
