While only 3% of farmland is owned and 4% is managed by Latino/a/x farmers, 80% of New York State’s agricultural workforce identifies as Latino/a/x or Hispanic. This guide provides resources for Latino/a/x farmers, farm supervisors, employees and aspiring farmers.
Through the Futuro en Ag project, the Cornell Small Farms Program works to enhance the efficiency and overall viability of Latino/a/x-led farm businesses, while creating opportunities for growth and equitable access to high-quality information, expert curriculum, and proven tactics for success. The project has created educational resources and materials including the Centro de Recursos para Agricultores, a free self-paced online course called “Planifique su Negocio Agrícola,” the monthly farmer-to-farmer peer learning circle called Juntos Aprendemos, leadership trainings, and other educational opportunities and materials.
For more information, please visit the Futuro en Ag web page or contact the team via call, text or WhatsApp at 607-793-4969.
Below are various resources and groups that are supportive of this work across the country:
Cornell Small Farms and GrowNYC’s Labor Ready Farmer Program– works to support aspiring farmers with agricultural experience from predominantly marginalized communities in establishing their own farm businesses in the New York City region.
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program – The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has selected the Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust and the New York Farm Viability Institute to administer two new grant programs. These programs, funded with $5 million, aim to support socially and economically disadvantaged farmers as well as beginning farmers by providing grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 to help them overcome barriers in agriculture and improve their farm operations.
Cornell Farmworker Program– In addition to providing immigration and legal aid, English language services, and workplace support services, the Cornell Farmworker Program also provides assistance with tax preparation, obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), referrals to other agencies like mobile consulates, and many more.
Agricultural Workforce Development Program – The Cornell University program aims to help farmers and agribusiness professionals create effective teams by improving human resource management practices, enhancing leadership skills, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and employee engagement in farm businesses.
National Latino Farmers and Ranchers (NLFR) – NLFR’s mission is to organize, engage, and empower Latino farmers and ranchers and the advocacy organizations that provide them with training and technical support.
Farmworker Justice – Farmworker Justice (Justicia Campesina) is a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower migrant and seasonal farmworkers to improve their living and working conditions, immigration status, health, occupational safety, and access to justice. We work with farmworkers and their organizations throughout the nation.
Agricultural Justice Project – The Agricultural Justice Project (AJP) works to establish fairness and equity in the agricultural system by developing social justice standards and certifications that promote fair labor conditions, equitable relationships, and sustainable farming practices.
Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program – A USDA program committed to supporting a 21st century agricultural industry. In partnership with Hispanic-serving institutions and other public and private entities, the program works to provide increased professional development, workforce development, and exposure opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.Brighter Future Fund (Spanish application) – The American Farmland Trust offers grants to help historically underserved farmers, especially women and people of color, by funding projects that enhance farm sustainability, access to land, and resilience.
