Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Assessing needs and fostering agricultural entrepreneurship among immigrants in several Iowa communities

Project ID: M2006-07

Abstract

Two Iowa communities learn about opportunities to support local immigrant populations with an interest in farming enterprises.

Key Question: What are the emerging possibilities for Iowa farmers to expand their local and regional farmer networks?

Findings: Engaging new Latino immigrant farmers in established networks can create opportunities for mutual learning about production and processing techniques and crop varieties, and collaborative development of new markets. Expanding these farmer networks also opens doors for retiring farmers looking for beginning farmers to whom to transition their farm operations.

Lead investigator: Lyle Fleshner, M&M Divide Resource Conservation and Development, et al

Year of grant completion: 2008

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Marketing Initiative.

Topics: Business management, distribution and marketing, Human systems, demographics and beginning farmer programs