Month: December 2023

In the scenic landscapes of Southern New Hampshire, Elizabeth Nyirabutega has cultivated not just a thriving farm, but a life filled with resilience and determination. Elizabeth’s journey is intertwined with The Double Up Food Bucks program, a symbiotic partnership with food stamps that has not only increased her income but has also transformed her lifestyle.

The Double Up Food Bucks program, allowing the purchase of local produce with an EBT card to get double the purchased produce, has been a game-changer for Elizabeth. This initiative has brought about a financial boon, evident in the regular checks she now receives every two weeks. For Elizabeth and her family, life has taken a positive turn.

ORIS-owned trusty tractor has been a blessing for Elizabeth, streamlining much of the arduous farming work. However, even with modern equipment, challenges persist. There are moments when the tractor falls short, and Elizabeth, alongside her hands and arms, steps in to ensure the job is done right.

Elizabeth’s farm is a haven for African vegetables rarely found in standard state markets. From amaranth to African eggplants, collard greens to daikon radishes, kale, carrots, corn, and eggplants, her diverse produce reflects a commitment to cultivating both tradition and health.

Farming, for Elizabeth, is not just a profession; it’s a way of life. Living with a disability that prevents her from enduring an 8-hour shift, she cherishes the autonomy that farming offers. “I like farming because you are your boss,” she shares. Flexibility in work hours allows her to take breaks when needed and return refreshed, or even head home whenever required if the day’s tasks are completed.

Beyond personal satisfaction, Elizabeth sees farming as an avenue to provide her family with healthy, organic, and fresh produce. Health issues further motivate her to grow food that suits her dietary needs. “I get fresh produce for home consumption; I even sell my produce to different markets here in Southern N.H,” she proudly asserts.

Elizabeth is a fixture at various farmers’ markets in New Hampshire, participating in the Concord Market on Saturday mornings and the Morning Start farmers markets every Tuesday and Friday afternoon. She collaborates with Fresh Start Food Hub, under the wing of the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS). ORIS supports Elizabeth and 40 other farmers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a community that transcends borders.

For Elizabeth, farming is not just about sustenance but also about well-being. She views it as a form of exercise vital for a healthier life, echoing the encouragement of medical professionals.

Expressing gratitude for the support from ORIS, Elizabeth does face a challenge – deer intrusion that threatens her crops. To safeguard her livelihood and prevent potential contamination, she fervently requests a fence before the next farming season begins.

In Elizabeth Nyirabutega’s story, farming is more than a livelihood; it’s a testament to resilience, autonomy, and the ability to cultivate not just crops but a better life.

In 2013, Margarita Manario embarked on a transformative chapter of her life when she joined the New American Sustainable Agriculture Program (NASAP). Born in Burundi, Margarita had fled to Tanzania in 1993, seeking refuge in a camp as a young mother. A decade later, in 2015, she arrived in America, hopeful for a new beginning.

Upon reaching the United States, Margarita faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language. Despite numerous attempts to secure traditional employment, her limited English-speaking skills proved to be a barrier. It was in this pursuit of livelihood that Margarita discovered NASAP, a program offering farming land, technical training, and market connections.

“I was overjoyed,” Margarita shares, reflecting on the moment she learned about the program. Her initial motive was simple – to provide healthy, culturally appropriate food for her family. Little did she know that her journey with NASAP would evolve into a passion for sustainable agriculture.

In her early days with NASAP, Margarita cultivated various crops, including main beans and coins. However, her dream extends beyond mere subsistence farming. She aspires to elevate her farming business to new heights, despite facing challenges posed by language and literacy barriers.

To overcome these obstacles, Margarita enrolled in ESL and literacy classes, significantly improving her English and writing proficiency. Yet, she admits that communicating with potential buyers and partners can still be a struggle. To navigate this, she relies on the support and supervision of the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS).

ORIS combines expertise in case management and youth development with cultural and linguistic skills to assist new Americans like Margarita in achieving their goals. NASAP, a project under ORIS, serves as an incubation program, guiding new American farmers until they can independently navigate the intricacies of farming in the U.S.

Margarita’s journey in farming is a family affair, with her husband, Augustin Ndikumana, actively involved in various farming activities. Together, they find solace in the rhythm of farming in New Hampshire, where they work during the growing season and rest during the cold months.

“If I have to choose between doing a corporate job and farming, I will choose farming,” Margarita confesses. Her commitment to farming goes beyond financial considerations; it’s a connection to her roots and a way to build a community with fellow refugees who share a common language.

Margarita sells her produce at the Concord Farmers’ Market, a Saturday event that not only allows her to generate income but also provides a platform to connect with new people and enhance her English proficiency. Additionally, she participates in the Morning Star Farmers’ Market every Tuesday and Friday afternoon. Here, she engages with members of her community who seek culturally appropriate food, not commonly found in standard produce markets in the state.

Currently, Margarita owns a 1050-square-foot greenhouse, a testament to her growth and partnership with the USDA. She is poised to take a Produce Safety Alliance growers training, aligning with her commitment to continuous learning and improvement. As April or May of 2024 approaches, Margarita, along with 40 other farmers, anticipates the beginning of a new farming season, ready to contribute to the flourishing landscape of sustainable agriculture in her community. For her, the farm isn’t just a plot of land; it’s a place that feels like home, where dreams are sown and cultivated.

In the picturesque landscape of New Hampshire, a remarkable woman named Jeanette Mukeshimana has been sowing the seeds of success since she arrived in the United States in 2011. Jeanette’s journey is not just a tale of farming but a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of agriculture.

Born into a farming family, Jeanette discovered her green thumb at the tender age of eight, cultivating amaranth, manioc, and sweet potatoes under the watchful guidance of her parents. Farming, for Jeanette, is not merely a livelihood; it is an embodiment of her culture and a connection to her roots.

In 2011, after immigrating to the U.S., Jeanette’s passion for farming found new avenues when she joined the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS). The New American Sustainable Agriculture Program (NASAP), initiated by ORIS, became the fertile ground where Jeanette’s agricultural aspirations began to flourish.

Despite facing challenges and being disabled, Jeanette’s determination led her to choose farming with ORIS as a means of self-sufficiency. “I don’t qualify for MEDICAID or Food Stamps, but thanks to the income from farming with ORIS, I can afford to feed my family and cover my medical bills,” she affirms.

For three years, before joining ORIS, Jeanette engaged in farming activities in Concord, NH. However, her association with ORIS has not only empowered her financially but also provided her with a supportive community that values the unique skills and cultural richness that immigrants bring to the United States.

“Farming is very important for me, not only because I love it, but also because of all the benefits and assistance I receive through ORIS. As long as I breathe, I will not stop being a farmer,” Jeanette declares passionately.

Her dedication has borne fruit, quite literally. Over the years, Jeanette’s harvest has grown steadily, attributed to her growing experience, expanding knowledge, and the support provided by ORIS. “This year, I have achieved more sales than at any other time in my life. African eggplants and cabbages sold exceptionally well,” she proudly shares.

Jeanette, along with over 40 fellow farmers, faces challenges but remains undeterred. Her dream extends beyond the lush fields she tends; she envisions owning her land, farming independently, and inspiring other immigrants in Southern New Hampshire to reclaim their agricultural heritage.

The recent construction of a Green House for Jeanette, primarily funded by the USDA, is a testament to the success stories emerging from ORIS. Jeanette’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of programs like NASAP, which not only sustain farmers from diverse backgrounds but also foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.

As Jeanette continues to cultivate her dreams, she envisions a future where immigrant farmers across New Hampshire unite, cultivating not just crops but a shared vision of prosperity and community. In the tapestry of Jeanette Mukeshimana’s life, each seed planted represents a step towards independence, resilience, and the promise of a bountiful tomorrow.

Jeanette sells her produce at the Concord Farmers’ Market, a Saturday event that not only allows her to generate income but also provides a platform to connect with new people and enhance her English proficiency. She also sells her produce to the immigrant community in the State that needs culturally appropriate produces that is not easy to find in standard produce markets.

The Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS) commenced its operations in 2007, providing sustained support to farmers from over eight countries, including Congo, Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda, Nepal, and more. ORIS manages farms in various locations, including Boscawen, Concord, and Dunbarton in New Hampshire, as well as in Worcester, Massachusetts.