Multicultural Refugee Coalition
AFWA Grant: $10,000
New Leaf Agriculture, a nonprofit social enterprise of Austin's Multicultural Refugee Coalition, reconnects refugees with farming heritage to fair-wage, dignified, employment opportunities. On its 12-acre regenerative farm on a conservation easement in nearby Litting, TX, New Leaf Agriculture supports a paid-apprenticeship program and trains refugees in Central Texas organic and sustainable farming practices.
As America's farmers are aging and farmland is rapidly disappearing, this innovative model not only connects refugee farmers to land in their new community. It also infuses a diverse, new group of producers into the Austin area.
In addition to supporting the overall program, the AFWA grant was used to expand crop production to grow plants traditionally eaten and highly desired by refugee communities in Austin. Many of the crops are rare in Central Texas, such as amaranth, cassava, and African varieties of eggplant. These new crops will bring more refugees to the farmers' market to purchase fresh, healthy foods and allow them to cook traditional dishes at home. Additionally, local chefs are requesting these unique crops for their menus.