Farm Credit Mid-America is deepening its commitment to Louisville’s immigrant and refugee farmers, investing $72,000 in 2025 in Common Earth Gardens to expand market access and farm infrastructure.
Access to land and capital remains the biggest barrier for underserved growers. This partnership furthers the organization’s mission to seek to empower refugee and immigrant farmers to transition from gardening to running agricultural businesses; restoring purpose, nourishing neighbors and building stability in the customer-owned cooperatives main office’s home city.
By the Numbers
Farm Credit Mid-America’s support has scaled rapidly since the partnership launched in 2020:
Current Impact
16 acres across
7 sites supporting
50 farmers and
400 gardeners.
The Goal
10 additional acres and
100 new growers
in the coming year.
Strengthening the Supply Chain
The most recent investment is specifically earmarked for critical infrastructure improvements that will take the farmers’ businesses to the next level. Key to this expansion is the acquisition of a trailer equipped with a cooler to support Common Earth Gardens’ mobile market program.
In urban agriculture, the last mile of the supply chain is often the most difficult; this mobile cold storage ensures that fresh, culturally valued produce remains high quality from the field to the consumer. Additionally, the funds have supported the purchase of a tractor, the installation of new water lines and the acquisition of secure storage—essential tools that create the efficiencies necessary for a farm to be profitable.
I was a farmer where I came from. Common Earth Gardens has now taught me how to make a living from the land.
Hands-On Engagement
For Farm Credit Mid-America, the partnership extends far beyond financial support. It is a relationship defined by shared expertise and volunteerism. The Association’s Growing Forward®* team—which specializes in supporting young, beginning and small farmers—is actively involved in delivering financial literacy education to the growers. By teaching the business side of agriculture, they are helping refugees and immigrants translate their traditional farming knowledge into sustainable Kentucky farm businesses.
The farm sites have even become a hub for community engagement. Farm Credit Mid-America team members, interns and Scholars regularly volunteer their time on-site, building personal connections with the growers and gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse agricultural landscape in Kentucky.
Community Garden Leader and refugee farmer Juma Khan Burhani shared, “There is a phrase in Farsi which translates to ‘the father of the farmer’ and is used to describe someone like me who shows real dedication to farming. I love to share my knowledge of farming with others.”
A Future of Expansion
The impact of this investment is undeniable. Currently, 20 farm teams are regularly selling locally grown products at eight farmers’ markets throughout the city of Louisville.
By investing in Common Earth Gardens, Farm Credit Mid-America is doing more than just funding a nonprofit. They are investing in the dignity of work, the security of the local food system and the successful integration of the newest neighbors in their main office’s hometown.
When I came here, I had nothing. My garden gives me purpose and confidence that everything will be okay.
Learn more about Farm Credit Mid-America’s Community Investment Program and the many ways they’re partnering with others to impact the future of rural communities and agriculture.
*Growing Forward® is a registered trademark of Farm Credit Mid-America.
