These farmers grew produce in Russia for 16 years, and are now farming five acres at Malinowski Farm, which is certified organic by Oregon Tilth. The farm is located approximately six miles west of downtown Portland near Beaverton.
Mercy Corps Northwest is sponsoring this effort and is assisting with their relocation by providing business training, start-up supplies, a range of market connections and a matched savings program to assist their efforts next growing season. The refugee families hope to make farming a full-time job in the future in order to support themselves and their families and become a part of the region’s farming community.
If you’d like to support Hayat Farm you can purchase their organic produce at the Portland Farmers Market on Thursdays and Saturdays.