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Latino Farm Operators in Missouri José L. García Community Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture Program University of Missouri [email protected] Hispanic/Latino farmers - J. Garcia 1 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 2 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 Latino operators and 600 for all Latino operators. Over 500 Latino principal operators lived over 10 years on their farms and almost 687 of all Latino operators. Hispanic/Latino farmers - J. Garcia 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7