New Roots for Refugees

New Roots for Refugees began in 2008 as a collaboration between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Cultivate KC. For over a decade, it has empowered families from the refugee community to start farm businesses by growing and selling produce through farmer's markets, wholesale, and the New Roots Farm Share. Since its inception, over 30 farmers have graduated from the program, with 21 still operating farm businesses today.

At the Juniper Gardens Training Farm, farmers are given a quarter-acre plot to grow vegetables such as tomatoes, beets, spinach, green onions, lettuce, and eggplants. Farmers bring agricultural expertise from their home countries and continue to learn about growing sustainably in the Midwestern climate. The program includes year-round involvement, with growing season activities and winter classes that provide lessons in English and weekly farming workshops. Over four years, farmers receive assistance with crop planning, farm troubleshooting, farming equipment, business finance, record-keeping, market applications, and customer recruitment.

New Roots for Refugees is designed to remove initial barriers to starting a small business, addressing challenges like economic mobility, language, networking, and access to education and support. By the fourth year, farmers take on the totality of business expenses and maintain their customer base. Support for New Roots farmers can be shown at local farmers markets, restaurants, or by subscribing to the Farm Share program.