Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA) is excited to announce the recipients of its Farmers of Color Network Infrastructure Fund grants for 2022.
SlakMarket Farm is building new structures on the farm, including a greenhouse and a barn. The barn will be used for animals as well as for post-harvest production and processing of honey, vegetables, and value-added products.
Tallawah Farms is working to extend the shelf life of one of their most popular cops, callaloo. They are setting up a commercial kitchen which will include a walk-in cooler, aluminum sinks, and tables.
Ricky Dollison is installing a refrigerator storage cooler in a central location on the farm, which will extend the shelf life of their crops after harvest. The new fridge will increase the farm’s income and profit by ensuring that all crops are handled and stored safely and properly for market.
Sharette Gunn is constructing a mobile trailer to transport produce from the farm. The trailer, which will reduce post-harvest losses, will rely on solar energy in order to reduce the negative environmental impact.
Chirandu Farm is building a barn with a dedicated area for cleaning, packing, and storing produce. The barn will allow them to more effectively process and store their special maize crop and prevent crop loss; it will also act as a shelter for workers and volunteers during the hot summer months.
Cherie Jzar is constructing a packing shed with a washing tank, screen drying table, and wet area to ensure quick processing of their harvest. The new space will also have two sinks for cleaning vegetables and flowers.
Tianna Neal is installing a new greenhouse on the farm. The greenhouse will allow the farm to control their own seedling production, making it more cost-efficient, sustainable, and reliable.