Yakima - More than 60 Latino farmers and ranchers attended a full day Small Farms Conference on August 10 at the Yakima Convention Center in Yakima WA hosted by the Center for Latino Farmers (Center) in partnership with USDA state agencies. The overlapping harvest seasons due to cold spring had many of the famers and their families working on the conference day, so the anticipated attendance was less than expected. All attendees agreed that the quality of the information presented was far beyond their expectations. 

The conference entitled “Breaking Down Barriers: Investing in Equity for the Next Generation of American Farmers & Ranchers” focused on providing information to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers on issues that impact their farm operation. Trade association leadership shared information to Latino farmers about the local and national economy. Dan Kelly, WA Growers Clearing House, shared data on the fruit industry trend, and challenged the farmers to be aware of what is happening to their fruit once it leaves their hands. “Keep tabs on your fruit,  be at the warehouse when it being packed. Know what is happening to your fruit!”  As heads were bobbing in the audience, all seemed to agree that they were being negligent as owners of their fruit. 

Craig Chronister of Cowiche Growers   discussed the good agricultural practices (GAP) industry plans. He emphasized that it is not a USDA requirement but a national and international industry standard being adapted to maintain better quality and safer food for all consumers. He said all farmers, big or small, will have the same requirements for complying. Chronister said, “Cowiche Growers is working in partnership with the Center on translation of simplified regulations to help the Latino farmers meet all the criteria. Everyone needs to comply,” 

Keynote speaker Dr. David Schweikhardt, Prof of the Dept of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University (MSU) spoke about the policies of the farm bills implemented. He said, “House Committee on the Budget feels that aligning agricultural programs with economic reality is needed. As the budget tightens, over 1,000 groups get into the discussion of how it should be spent.” He noted some recommendations by special interest groups (1) Reduce net spending on mandatory agriculture programs by $10 billion from 2012 to 2020;  (2)  reducing the cap on Direct Payments by 25% ; (3) reduce the fixed payments that go to farmers irrespective of price levels; (4) Why does a salad cost more than a Big Mac? ; (5) Numerous overlapping government programs exist to provide income support to farmers, etc grant institution in the nation. 

Michelle Radice, Director of the Outreach & Diversity for the USDA National Association of Statistics Service (NASS) in DC discussed the importance of having all farmers/ranchers counted since it determines the funding allocations and services needed for each state. She commended WA State and its State Director Dave Knopf in working in partnership with the Center in making the Ag Census more accessible to all. She is seeing the increased count and says that can only happen with working partnerships.  

During the conference, Juan Marinez of Michigan State University & Edmund Gomez of New Mexico State University from the Latino Policy Research and Development Institute presented a preliminary briefing on their research identifying barriers for Latino farmers & ranchers in accessing USDA programs and services. The research goes hand in hand with USDA’s focus on providing better access to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. 

The interest in the USDA state administrators was evident in their all day participation. Judy Olson-Farm Service Agency (FSA); Dave Paul- Risk Management Agency (RMA); Roylene Rides-at-the-Door, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); Dave Knopf- WA State Director, National Association of Statistics Service (NASS).  Roni Baer- Rural Development (RD) was present on behalf of Mario Villanueva. Nestor Hernandez, President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Yakima County also was present.  

A reception was held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for those who attended the conference. At that time three farmers were recognized for their participation in intensive 30 hr educational series during the last five months on the topics of conservation, financial literacy and leadership.  Jesus Valencia, Jr. for his “Outstanding Participation” Conservation Series; Lucy Rojas Reyes “Outstanding Participation” Financial Literacy Series; Angel Perdido “Outstanding Participation” Leadership Series.

Lupe Garcia of Las Cruces NM who was the main plaintiff in a lawsuit against USDA for discrimination against Latino farmers/ranchers was recognized in absentia with a plaque reading “For your courage and perseverance through it all”. A settlement agreement has been reached with USDA and a compensation for claims is in process. Fifteen farmers from the Yakima Valley were part of the initial lawsuit. Information about the compensation for claims of discrimination is available at the Center’s office. 

The Second Annual Small Farms Conference will be held February 23, 2012.