Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Iowa immigrant and refugee incubator farm program

Project ID: M2011-13

Abstract

A one-year planning grant was used by a Des Moines (IA) area group to plot the most effective ways to encourage and support refugees and immigrants interested in starting farm enterprises in the region around Des Moines.

Key Question: How does a group develop a model for training refugee and immigrant growers to utilize their existing farming experience to establish successful small farm businesses in the Des Moines area?

Findings: The planning team identified necessary resources (financial and other) needed for training related to land, curriculum, education and outreach.

Lead investigator: Nicholas Wuertz, Lutheran Services in Iowa

Co-Investigator(s):

Linda Gobberdiel, Food and You, LLC

Year of grant completion: 2012

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

Topics: Human systems, demographics and beginning farmer programs