Lutheran Services of Iowa Global Greens
April 29, 2017
EAT LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY
LSI’s Global Greens agricultural programs coordinate land access, production
education and business development training for refugees in the Des Moines
metro who want to reconnect with the land. Global Greens farmers are former
refugees who are creating paths to self-sufficiency through sustainable
agriculture. Global Greens Farm is a training site for 26 growers wanting to
start small market farming businesses. Training and technical assistance on
production, record keeping, marketing and small business development is
provided over a multi-year period – with the goal of farmers transitioning to
their own land and independent businesses.
Some refugee families want to grow food for home consumption. Thanks to partnerships with the City of Des
Moines, organizations and private landowners, LSI is able to help connect refugee families to small garden
plots near their homes. Other refugees are interested in small business farming to supplement their income
long-term. In 2013, LSI created the Global Greens Farm, a 5 acre urban farm made possible through a land
partnership with the Valley Community Center, in West Des Moines.
Many refugee families have backgrounds in
agriculture, and growing food provides many
benefits:
Reduced grocery costs and better
access to healthy produce
More income and business
opportunities for families
More social connections with
neighbors and less isolation
Emotional healing for refugees who
have faced past trauma
More connections to cultural
traditions
Opportunities to share agricultural
traditions with the next generation
At Global Greens Farm, beginning market
farmers take the first step by cultivating a
large 50’ x 50’ plot of land. Advanced market
farmers then move to a ¼ acre sized plot and receive intensive training on crop production, business
development and marketing to help them turn their passion into a profitable business.
At Global Greens Farm, farmers grow many vegetables you’ll find in your local grocery store, such as carrots
and onions. They also grow ethnic vegetables from their home countries, like lenga lenga (amaranth greens),
long beans, daikon radish and African eggplant. You can meet our advanced farmers at local farmer’s markets
and try out some recipes that feature their unique produce.They would love to introduce you to new foods!
Some opportunities to further engage with the Global Greens Farm include joining the Global Greens CSA and
participating in the Farmers' Market.
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