The Hip Hop Farmers Youth Initiative (HHFYI) is a multi- state (25) urban and rural agriculture project to train socially disadvantaged youth(ages 15-18), veterans and community based organizations how to start a business in specialty crops (production) as well as other related enterprises such as food hubs, processing facilities, farmer’s markets, dry storage and cold storage facilities (non-pro
duction). The goal of the HHFYI is to develop one hundred (100) project sites throughout the twenty five state areas of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin.. HHFYI will work with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Strike Force Initiative. We will collaborate with National, Regional and State Strike Force leaders to identify four project sites in each participating state. Introduce socially disadvantaged youth, veterans and community based organizations to farming/agriculture by utilizing the Seasonal High Tunnel Systems.
2. Teach business skills, logistics, and supply and demand principles to youth.
3. Respond and have an impact on the food desert phenomenon in the urban and rural communities.
4. Promote healthy eating and lifestyles.
5. Provide locally grown produce to individual consumers, local schools and grocers.
6. Promote alternative crop production using best management practices, i.e. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Nutrient Management, Crop Residue Management, Irrigation Water Management (IWM), etc.
7. Create employment opportunities (2500 jobs). Training will be the major focal point of this project. For the sponsors the impact of the project will be their return on investment. Return on Investment-
For supporting this initiative investors return on investment will be as follows:
Job Creation – Approximately 2,500 (this is based on 100 projects and an average of 25 individuals per project) individuals from persistent poverty stricken communities will be employed from these projects providing an economic boost to their respective community. Entrepreneurship – With this training we project at least 10 percent of the individuals exposed will begin their own specialty crop business. Education – Based on the exposure to USDA experts and land grant colleges and university professionals, socially disadvantage youth will consider additional education and training that could ultimately lead to degrees that lead to educational degrees that lead to professional careers and business opportunities in the field of agriculture. Health – These urban agriculture projects will provide better access to food desert communities helping them to make better choices toward a healthier diet. HHFYI Project Opportunities:
If you are a community based organization or non-profit with an Internal Revenue Service tax exempt status, 501 (c)(3), based in one of the above states we can assist you with applying to be a HHFYI member.
