Through our work we seek to:
- Increase self-sustainability and decrease food insecurity.
- Provide resources and access to land for the refugee community to make food access equitable for all.
- Provide a stable source of food and income to help support refugee families and keep their agricultural traditions.
Farmland Access
In partnership with Salt City Harvest Farm and Matthew 25 Farm, farmers first acquire 1/8 acre of farmland to grow food for their family and community. SyRAP farmers are able to scale up their growing space, year by year, up to 1 acre. Farmers have the option of selling any of the crops they grow through the SyRAP market stand at the Central New York Regional Market in Syracuse.
Agricultural Workshops
The SyRAP program offers educational workshops on a variety of topics including: Soil Fertility, Pest Management, Business Planning, Food Safety, Marketing, and Land Acquisition. We provide interpreters for the many languages spoken by the participants of the program.
Market Access
SyRAP hosts a booth at the Central New York Regional Market throughout the summer for farmers who are interested in selling their produce and gaining marketing experience. We also assist in transporting the large harvests from our two farms to the market.
Community Gardening
SyRAP provides space for people to grow food in two community gardens on the Northside of Syracuse. First year participants of the SyRAP program begin growing here together. Starting in the second year, SyRAP participants have the opportunity to start growing on farmland through our partnership with Salt City Harvest Farm and Matthew 25 Farm.
Goat Farm – Coming Soon
Starting in 2021 families in the refugee community will be able to purchase and self-butcher goats at a new facility on Yorkholm Farm in Tully, NY. Additionally, goat husbandry workshops and trainings will be offered for individuals interested in pursuing goat farming.
The Syracuse Refugee Agricultural Program (SyRAP) is a program of Refugee & Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE)
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