PFC is the only non-profit in Western New York that directly empowers beginning agriculture and farming entrepreneurs through access to rural farmland, farming and business education, technical assistance, markets, and the opportunity to farm for income, all while passing important farming and cultural traditions down to younger generations. PFC has both incubator farmers, those working to start their own small agricultural businesses, and community farmers, those growing collaboratively to provide food to meet intra-community fresh produce needs. The organization is home to the only incubator farm program west of Ithaca in New York State.
”“Farming at PFC has lots of benefits for me; enjoying exercise and time outside spent at the farm; earning money to support my family; getting more experience farming; and being able to teach my grandchildren about farming and our history in agriculture”
MageneyMgambo Farm
Incubator Farm Program
PFC’s 3-year Incubator Farm Program provides farmers the opportunity to start their own farm and develop a business. Each farmer receives a 1/4 acre of plowed, fenced, and fertilized farmland. In addition, farmers receive access to agricultural and business workshops, 1-on-1 technical assistance, marketing opportunities, tools, seeds, and plants.
Community Organizations Farm Program
PFC’s Community Organizations Farm Program provides community organizations with plots of prepared farmland. Participating organizations also receive access to agricultural resources and educational opportunities. Community organizations focus on building food security and increased access to traditional foods within their communities.
Demonstration Farm Plot
PFC runs a demonstration plot for training purposes and program income generation. Hands-on training takes place on the plot throughout the growing season. PFC’s demonstration plot promotes food security by selling to wholesale outlets focused on serving communities in need of fresh food access.
”“The kids have a great connection to each other, they built relationships with each other. The Summer Youth Employment Program helped build relationships within the community between the youth and elders, too. They did not know how to farm, so they got a lot of experience, especially with the crops so they got connected to farming. Also, they brought income home which helped with school supplies and clothing which helped the kids and the family.”
AliSomali Bantu Community Organization
Summer Vibe Youth Employment Program
“The Summer Vibe Program gave me the chance to feed my family and community, and get paid for it. From working on the farm, I have a more realistic understanding about how much work goes into growing food.”
–Kuban Yao
Produce Aggregation for Local Food Pantries
At Providence Farm Collective (PFC), our programs are designed by farmers and consumers to provide farmland access and fair pay for farmers and to increase access to affordable culturally important fresh foods for consumers across our Western New York community. PFC’s Aggregation for Food Pantries Program bridges the gap between fair wholesale prices for local farmers and access to nutritious, fresh food for food pantry customers – delivering dignity and nourishment to our neighbors.
The heart of this program is beautifully simple: Empowering local farmers while providing fresh food access for consumers across our region.
”“The community members are happy to get the fresh food because they are supporting their community members who grew it. The community members like our food because they know it's organic and they know that we, their community members, grew it and how we grew it. Health wise it’s very good. The farmer gets health benefits and so do the consumers. We are glad that PFC provides everything that we need.”
Soe RehOur Lady of Hope, Karenni
