By Bonnie Rukin
Despite federal funding cuts, which threaten to impact certain programs at the Somali Bantu Community Association (SBCA) and Liberation Farms this summer, the mood of the farmers is spirited, and plans are well underway for the upcoming growing season.
Isha Kasai, who has led the Kasheekee Youth program for three years, said she is looking forward to the 2025 summer season at Liberation Farms. Kasheekee serves children ages 5-12.
Goats will play a bigger role in the curriculum this coming summer, Kasai said, providing an estimated 30 children with hands-on experiences with the animals. There will be more gardening opportunities as well, with additional garden beds and new plantings of fruit trees, strawberries, and raspberries.
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Kasai said she is grateful for the beauty of the farm, and for the many opportunities the land provides for children and elders to come together. While at the farm, children learn from their elders about their heritage and also practice Somali language skills, since many elders do not speak the fluent English of the children. Children also learn about growing vegetables for home and market use.
Laura Neale, Liberation Farms manager, is excited that this winter the farm has 18 pregnant does, the largest number of pregnant goats in the farm’s history. The does will be kidding in late March and April.
Seedlings will be started in the heated greenhouse the first week of March. “Getting in the greenhouse is a major sign of spring and all that lies ahead,” Neale said.
Neale also spoke about systems improvements and infrastructure at the farm, with a finished barn that was completed in 2024, and a new, on-site corn processing building – thanks to this, farmers can shell and winnow corn, then sell it in bulk as cornmeal to Maine Grains.
The farmers work the land cooperatively, and also share profits, according to Somali Bantu tradition. Last season was the farmers’ most profitable one to date. Partnerships with schools, hospitals, and food pantries increased, and demand rose for produce, especially for culturally familiar greens.
After three years of working well together, Neale said the farm leadership team is well-poised to build on past successes and navigate new challenges. Plans are underway to hire a new farm assistant this year – at least that’s the hope.
Over the years, collaborations with organizations such as the Cumberland County Food Security Council and Good Shepherd Food Bank have helped the farm with funding and technical support. Donors have also been generous.
Jim Hanna, Executive Director at Cumberland County Food Security Council and a nonprofit leader in Maine food systems for more than 30 years,, noted the sudden disruption that current national leadership is creating in the U.S. agriculture sector.
Partnerships between funders and immigrant farmers have a track record of being deeply and mutually satisfying, he said, and he encouraged individuals and organizations statewide to keep doing what has already been proven to be so successful.
Hanna said prioritizing support of local growers – especially the most vulnerable producers in the local food economy – will be more important than ever going forward.
