Grow NYC Program Offers Farm Training For Immigrants
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- The growing popularity of New York City green markets combined with a decline in farmers has created a unique opportunity for immigrants in our area.
LISTEN: WCBS 880's Monica Miller reports
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Produce like heirloom tomatoes and squash blossoms that are popular with shoppers are the product of years of training, hard work and a desire to fulfill the American dream.
Michelle Hughes with Grow NYC's New Farmers Development Project says more than 160 immigrant farmers since 2000 have completed their program and more than 20 of them have formed their own businesses.
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"Some are agricultural engineers, some are veterinarians and they're all here and unable to find work in their field because their degrees don't translate here to our system or they just don't know that it's possible to start a farm in this region," said Hughes.
The seven week training program begins in mid-September. For more information, visit www.grownyc.org.
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