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Latino Farm Operators in Missouri. Jos é L. Garc í a Community Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture Program University of Missouri GarciaJL@missouri.edu. U.S. figures (Ag. Census 2002).
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Latino Farm Operators in Missouri José L. García Community Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture Program University of Missouri GarciaJL@missouri.edu Hispanic/Latino farmers - J. Garcia
U.S. figures (Ag. Census 2002) • There were 50,443 Latino principal farm operators in the US in 2002, a 66% increase from 1997 or 33,450 principal operators. • All Latino operators (up to 3 per farm) were 72,329 in 2002. • On the other side, the US lost 86,650 farmers between 1997 and 2002. • About half of the Latino farms have less than 219 acres (1997). • Farming was the primary occupation for about 55% of all Latino operators in 2002. Hispanic/Latino farmers - J. Garcia
Missouri figures (Ag. Census 2002) • Between 1997 and 2002 Latino principal farm operators increased from 508 to 722. • All Latino operators (up to 3 per farm) were 1059 in 2002. • Farming is the primary occupation for 428 principal Latinooperators and 600 for all Latinooperators. • Over 500 Latino principal operators lived over 10 years on their farms and almost 687 of all Latino operators. Hispanic/Latino farmers - J. Garcia
Issues impacting Latino producers (Survey of Latino producers in MO, 2004) • Little or no awareness/access to services and programs. • Diversity of backgrounds and different needs. • Production, legal/financial, and marketing risks are of major concern for Latino family farms. Hispanic/Latino farmers - J. Garcia
Issues impacting Latino producers (cont.) • Risks are greater for Latino producers and laborers than for main stream producers. • Agencies/extension are unaware of Latino producers’ needs/situation. • Latino producers may be less organized than other groups. • Latino producers may be undercounted. Hispanic/Latino farmers - J. Garcia
Obstacles to Farming (from a survey in MI) • Purchasing a Farm • Infrastructure Development • Technology Availability • Familiarity with Crops • Language and Culture • Participation in USDA Programs Hispanic/Latino farmers - J. Garcia
Reaching Latino producers • Find out about Latino farmers in your county/region. • Get materials that directly speak to their issues. • Be sensitive to their cultural background and needs. • Talk to the organizations that serve them Hispanic/Latino farmers - J. Garcia