GROW FOOD dba Viva Farms
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Mission Statement
We empower aspiring and limited-resource farmers by providing bilingual training in holistic organic farming practices, as well as access to land, infrastructure, equipment, marketing and capital. Together, we preserve sustainable farming by creating a strong and just local food system.
About This Cause
Viva Farms is a bilingual (Spanish-English) farm business support organization based in Mount Vernon, Washington. Founded in 2009 to help Latino farm workers become farm owners, today, we operate 119 acres between Skagit and King Counties. We teach beginning farmers about sustainable and organic farming and business management, and provide all of the essential resources they need to launch and run thriving farms businesses. The average age of the American farmer is 57.5 years old. At Viva, the average age of our 55 owner/operators is 37.5 years old. Only 5% of farm owners in the U.S. are people of color; whereas at Viva, 47% of farmers identify as Hispanic or BIPOC. Surrounded by a deep agricultural history and infrastructure in Northwest Washington’s Skagit Valley, we are well-positioned to support the next generation of farmers. With an alarming number of farmers expected to retire in the next ten years and the global demand for food rising up to 40% by 2050, it is clear that we desperately need a prepared and dedicated community of farmers growing organic, healthy, and fresh food for the future. Viva strives to grow the next generation of farmers by helping them overcome barriers to farm ownership. We envision a more just and resilient food system where farming is a financially viable livelihood that provides healthy food for everyone in our communities, contributes to a strong and diversified economy and preserves the diverse social and cultural values of local residents. Our 8-month Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture (PSA) is at the core of our training. We offer experiential learning through a full growing season in every aspect of running a successful organic farm operation, from business and crop planning to harvesting and distribution. Graduates are eligible to participate in our Farm Business Incubator Program to access the essentials needed to launch a thriving farm business. Incubating farmers have access to infrastructure such as greenhouses, tractors, irrigation, a wash/pack facility and cold storage, which are often cost-prohibitive for independent beginning farmers. We provide technical assistance for grant and loan programs to help farmers access necessary funding. We help farmers define and access their markets through our wholesale, CSA (including SNAP-CSA) and direct sales guidance. We believe that our collective well-being is inextricably bound to the vitality of local agriculture. Please join us in our mission to empower aspiring and limited-resource farmers. Follow us on social media to learn more! Or visit www.vivafarms.org.