[PRESS RELEASE] Plant It Forward Farms Graduates New Urban Farmers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2018
Plant It Forward Farms Graduates New Urban Farmers
Eighteen former refugees successfully complete Urban Farming Business Course
HOUSTON, TX. (June 25, 2018)
On June 24th, Plant It Forward Farms (PIFF) hosted a graduation celebration and potluck to recognize the eighteen talented new Houstonians who successfully completed the eight-month-long Urban Farming Business Course.
“The graduates are such an inspiring and committed group. They came out to learn all they could about growing and selling produce in South East Texas every Saturday for eight months – rain or shine, hot or cold. They are eager to share their passion for farming with their new community and they will help transform the way Houston eats. – Liz Vallette, President, Plant It Forward
“Before my heart was empty. This course made it filled.” – Hyacinth Abata, Apprentice Farmer
The graduates include Abwe Butunga, Asende Ulemwambo, Bahati Basesela, Bobilya Apendeki Florida, Bora Neema, David Tungu, Elena Idi, Elizabeth Nyuma, Fatuma Rukundo, Hawa Ibrahim, Hawa Mahamad, Henriette Ngangoula, Hyacinth Abata, Mabel Nyuma, Materanya Ruchinagiza, Oretha Nyuma, Rebecca Kenfack, Shaban Wazili. They come originally from six different countries – Nigeria, Liberia, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Sudan – and the course was conducted in English, French, Swahili, and Arabic.
The graduates are now designated Apprentice Farmers and will be placed on donated urban farmland as it becomes available. The first three new farms will launch in August 2018, managed by Materanya Ruchinagiza and Bora Neema; Bobilya Apendeki Florida; and Elizabeth, Mabel, and Oretha Nyuma. The new Apprentice Farmers join the Plant It Forward ranks alongside our six Master Farmers — Alimasi Toto, Christine Kengue, Constant Ngouala, Guy Mouelet, Roy Nlemba, and Sarment Louamba — and our two Alumni Farmers — Adrien Ikaba and Albert Lombo.
Plant It Forward farmers are independent contractors who are able to engage in dignified work and who are linked to fair markets. Their produce can be purchased at area farmers markets, through a weekly farm share subscription service, and through chef sales. Landowners interested in donating the use of their land for sustainable agriculture are encouraged to contact the number/email below.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Daniella Lewis
(713) 432-0754
daniella@plant-it-forward.org
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About Plant It Forward
Founded in 2011, Plant It Forward Farms is Houston-based a nonprofit organization that trains and supports former refugees to operate urban farming businesses. Plant It Forward builds a greener Houston by: growing fresh, local, chemical-free vegetables and fruit; giving our farmers an opportunity to build a self-sustaining, free market enterprise in America for themselves and their families; and building our community by integrating our farms into neighborhoods. Our vision is a farm in every neighborhood, operated by people achieving the American Dream.
Connect with PIFF on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlantItForwardFarms
Twitter: www.twitter.com/HoustonFarms
Instagram: www.instagram.com/plantitforward
