Farming Programs Pull Immigrants Out of Poverty

The Minnesota Food Association (MFA) is working with federal and national organizations to help low-income populations and immigrants get out of poverty and stay out. MFA, a part of the National Immigrant Farming Initiative, an advocacy group in Washington, D.C., teaches everything from starting seeds and operating a consumer supported agriculture program to applying for a loan through the USDA Farm Service Agency. MFA Executive Director Rigoberto Delgado said immigrants are replacing the disappearing American family farmer, citing that the number of Latino farmers has increased 14 percent between 2002-2007. Since 2007, the MFA program has taught100 immigrants and minorities to operate financially viable organic farms. Read more (Minnpost.com).