Most Spanish-speaking immigrant farmers in Washington County, Oregon, possess farming experience from their home countries and wish to continue this work. However, their experience often involves conventional farming, primarily reliant on chemicals. While many recognize the health benefits of organic farming, access to training and awareness of economic advantages is limited. Research over the past five years indicates a strong interest in organic farming practices among these farmers.

This project aimed to promote organic farming among low-income Spanish-speaking immigrant farmers through training in organic production and marketing, while also developing a training module for organizations with similar goals. Project objectives were to:

1. Provide land-based training in organic practices and access to farmland for low-income Latino families.
2. Enhance economic equity for low-income Latino families via marketing support for farm products.
3. Systematize the course into a training manual sharing methodologies and resources for organic farming.

A comprehensive 22-week sustainable agriculture training program was offered, including marketing support and practical on-the-ground assistance. Partnerships with the Oregon Sustainable Agricultural Land Trust and Oregon State University Small Farms Program facilitated training efforts. Mentorship from individual organic farms, Gales Creek and Natural Harvest, included site visits. In summer 2009, a partnership with the Forest Grove Community Garden added ½ acre for program participants, followed by a lease for 12 acres of farmable land to expand educational opportunities. Participants received marketing support selling at the Forest Grove Farmers Market and formed relationships with Pacific University and Forest Grove Community School for ongoing produce purchases. A collaboration with Ecotrust led to the creation of an online farm-to-plate distribution resource, Food Hub.

A curriculum enabling replication by other organizations and a detailed training manual, developed by project coordinator Alejandro Tecum and partners, are in progress. The training, culturally tailored and written in Spanish, is organized by month. The final training module will include curriculum, a formatted manual, and appendices detailing effective sustainable organic farming and marketing techniques.

The program has recently expanded into Yamhill County through additional funding, notably a three-year $300,000 grant from the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (OASDFR) program, administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Adelante Mujeres was the only grant recipient in Oregon, allowing for the hiring of a Marketing and Outreach Coordinator and significant project expansion.