New Farms for New Americans (NFNA) is AALV’s refugee and immigrant agricultural partnership program. Its mission is to help participants at three levels: 1) access community gardens and gardening resources; 2) learn how to market garden or farm for a profit in the U.S., or 3) start up a farm business.
The program serves over 90 households from Africa and Asia. Participants have a great wealth of agricultural experience from their homelands. Organic food cultivation is for them an avenue to earn supplemental income as well as to maintain their culture, while supporting their mental and physical well-being. NFNA participants are eager to learn, to adapt, and to continue cultivating organic food in the U.S. NFNA supports these aspirations by linking participants to land, marketing opportunities, training and technical assistance.
NFNA contributes to the health and self-sufficiency of refugee and immigrant households, while contributing to an inclusive local food system and sustainable working landscape for years to come.
NFNA Partners Include:
The Intervale Center, the Vermont Farm Service Agency, Vermont Adult Learning and Opportunities Credit Union.
More Info for Customers and Supporters:
CSA Info and Registration Form
West African and Bhutanese CSA Info (coming soon)
Donation Wish List
NFNA Facebook Page
Volunteer Opportunities
Press and Videos:
June 20, 2011: USDA Blog. “New Farms for New Americans in Vermont.”
Summer 2010: Vermont’s Local Banquet. “New to American, Old Hands at Agriculture.”
July 2010: Vermont Woman. “Seeking Respite, Global Refugees Resettle in Vermont.”
March 12, 2008: Seven Days. “Cultivating Relationships.”
Where to find NFNA Produce:
Healthy Living, City Market, Bluebird Tavern, American Flatbread, Burlington Bay, Stone Soup, New North End Farmers Market, Old North End Farmers Market, Thursdays at the Intervale, Winooski Farmers Market, UVM Farmers Market
NFNA Sponsors:
Red Wagon Plants
Healthy Living
City Market
