Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do PIFF farmers earn income?
A: While PIFF is a non-profit, our farmers are not employees. Therefore, all the farmers in our network earn their living through produce sales, just like all professional farmers. Farmers may choose to participate in any/all PIFF income-generating programs: (1) weekly farm share subscription, (2) PIFF farm stands, and (3) wholesale / chef sales. Farmers may also sell produce independently. Several of our farmers sell at local farmers markets, and conduct their own business with local chefs/restaurants.
Q: Is it possible to earn a quality living in Houston as an urban farmer?
A: Yes! It is hard work, but our farmers are earning more than the living wage calculated for one person in Harris County.
Q: What size are the PIFF urban farms?
A: Our average farm is one-half (1/2) acre.
Q: What assistance does PIFF provide to connect farmers to customers?
A: Through our Enterprise Programs, PIFF markets the farmers’ produce on their behalf and facilitates weekly farm share subscriptions and sales to restaurants.
Q: Can I sponsor a farmer-family through PIFF?
A: We are very lucky to receive so much love and support from our community. We appreciate your desire to support our farmers and the work we are doing at PIFF, and we encourage anyone wishing to support PIFF to donate. We will use your money to continue to strengthen our farmers’ businesses through our Enterprise, Farm Services, and Farm Training Programs.
We at PIFF are focused on enabling our farmers to develop successful small farming businesses. Our Enterprise, Farm Services, and Farm Training Programs are designed to provide our farmers with a hand-up, but not a hand-out. Because we have a business relationship with our farmers, we do not think it is appropriate for us to broker direct sponsorship of farmers or their families. If you are interested in sponsoring newly arrived refugees, please contact a local resettlement or refugee-support agency, such as Interfaith Ministries, Refugee Services of Texas, Alliance for Multicultural Services,
Q: Can I make an in-kind donation, such as providing seeds or supplies/equipment?
A: First, thank you for your generosity and desire to support our work! Because our goal is to enable our farmers to develop strong small businesses, we ask that you make a direct donation to our Farm Services or Farm Education Program, rather than send seeds or other farm supplies. Operating an effective farm business requires us to pay close attention to the specific varieties we plant, and the equipment we use. Not all seeds or tools are created equal! We need high-quality equipment and seeds that are well-suited to our particular farming conditions. By donating to PIFF, you enable our staff and farmers to purchase exactly what they need for their farms. If you would like to discuss how your money would be used, please contact our Farm Programs Manager, Rachel, at rachel@plant-it-forward.org.
