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.
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.
”“I’ve been farming here with the community for over five years now. The impact is very positive and it’s BIG! My family, we are farming. We are getting fresh food. The community is getting bigger and more people are interested. So we hope to access more (land) so we can include a lot more farmers.”
Faz NiyigabaAk’iwacu Farm
