Highline College

Highline College and Its Five Project Partners Propose a 3-YEAR, $735,353PROJECT to Deliver Training and Technical Assistance to Address Barriers Faced by Immigrant and Refugee Farmers in Starting and Growing Farm Businesses. All Direct Costs (100%) Will Target Socially Disadvantaged and Limited Resource Farmers in South King County. the Proposed Project Will Not Only Address Local Priorities and Goals Established in King COUNTY'S Local Food Initiative and Equity and Social Justice Initiative But Will Also Serve as a Model to Be Adopted Nationwide, Fulfilling the Legislative Priorities Defined in the 2018 Farm Bill: 1) Basic Crop Farming Practices, 2) Entrepreneurship and Business Training, and 3) Resources and Referral. to Meet Demand for Beginning Farmer Training in South King County, the Most Racially and Ethnically Diverse Region in Washington, HIGHLINE'S Sustainable Agriculture Program Has Five Objectives: 1) Build the Agricultural and Business Knowledge of Immigrant Beginning Farmers; 2) Develop Practical Farming Abilities; 3) Assist Beginning Farmers in Creating Farm Businesses; 4) Create Pathways for Sharing Farmer Wisdom; 5) Maintain Farm Business Sustainability With One-on-one Guidance Through the Historically Inaccessible Land, Market, and Funding Processes. Outcomes Include Beginning Farmers Completing Farm Business and Practicum Workshops; Managing Their Own Farm Incubator Plots; Receiving In-field Technical Assistance; Receiving One-on-one Business Planning; Starting New Farm Businesses; Connecting to Commercial Farmer Mentors; and Receiving Guidance Through Land, Markets, and Funding Processes. Project Director Bobby Butler, of Highline College, Will Lead the Project and Build on Existing Resources and Partnerships With Collaborating Organizations.