New American Agricultural Project /NAAP

The New American Agriculture Project helps recent refugees and immigrants start small-scale farm enterprises in the greater Portland area. We also assist our new farmers in marketing nutritious food at local outlets in the Pacific Northwest.

NAAP receives both local and federal funding as part of Mercy Corps Northwest’s larger efforts to serve small businesses. NAAP is currently working with individuals and families from Cuba, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Nepal, Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Come find us on Mondays from 10am-2pm at the Pioneer Square Farmer’s Market

Portland Grower’s Alliance 2010 CSA


The Portland Growers Alliance is a new social enterprise helping beginning farmers to market and distribute fresh produce. We are a collaborative effort between Mercy Corps Northwest’s refugee agriculture project and Grow Portland, a new grassroots urban agriculture organization.

MercyCorps NW MercyCorps NW

CSA Details

Members receive 14 weeks of produce for $400. Each box includes 8-12 different vegetable varieties, enough to provide the weekly produce for 2-4 people.

Crops Include:
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Green Beans
Broccoli, Lettuce, Carrots, Beets
Onions, Garlic, Cabbage and Herbs

We will also supplement boxes with spray-free berries and sweet corn from our land sponsor, Thompson Farms.

Box pick-up: 4-6pm each Monday

Dates: August 23 to November 22

Location: Mercy Corps Northwest’s office in Old Town Portland, located at 43 SW Naito Parkway. We’re accessible by MAX at the Skidmore Fountain stop. Parking is available on SW Ankeny.

- Share the harvest -
- Enjoy fresh produce -
- Support local food -
- Assist new and refugee growers-

To sign up for the Portland Grower’s Alliance CSA, complete the CSA membership form.

MercyCorps NW

Photo Bruce MacGregor for Mercy Corps

Services

 

  • Land access and lease negotiation
  • Business planning and market development
  • Financial assistance
  • Infrastructure, equipment, and supplies
  • Agricultural skill development (classes, hands-on workshops, and mentoring)

Damascus Training Site

Larry Thompson of Thompson Farm donates land, tillage and mentoring to make this initiative successful. Our new farmers work their own plots of land ranging in size from one-half to one acre. Mercy Corps Northwest and Thompson Farm are jointly investing in the infrastructure and equipment needed to develop the site.

Nepalese Gardens—Southeast Portland

NAAP is working with recent refugees from the countries of Nepal and Bhutan to develop urban market gardens.  These productive and profitable gardens are grown on reclaimed, overgrown land that is donated by private owners or vacant City of Portland lots. 

MCNW is the first nonprofit to secure land through Portland’s “Diggable Cities Project,” an inventory of unused public land.   

Market Outlets

Staff Contact

David Beller, Program Coordinator
P: (503) 896-5076   E:dbeller@mercycorpsnw.org