National Immigrant Farming Initiative

National Immigrant Farming Initiative (NIFI) is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporate entity registered in SAM.gov since 2010, focusing on supporting immigrant, socially disadvantaged, and military veteran farmers in agricultural development. The organization operates as a national partnership of organizations and projects dedicated to advancing sustainable farming and food systems for immigrant and refugee farmers beginning agricultural careers in the United States. NIFI's mission centers on strengthening the capacity of recent immigrants to farm successfully, providing critical resources, training, and technical assistance to underserved farming communities, particularly in rural border regions of Texas and New Mexico.

Through federal grant awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), NIFI has secured multiple significant grants totaling over $1.9 million across three primary programs: the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers program, and the American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Investment Program. These grants enable NIFI to develop comprehensive training programs, provide multi-lingual technical assistance, and create resources that help immigrant farmworkers, military veterans, and beginning farmers establish and operate viable agricultural enterprises. Their work includes supporting farmers in the Paso del Norte region through targeted outreach, developing sustainable and agroecological farming practices, enhancing local food systems, and building relationships between underserved farmers and USDA extension staff. NIFI collaborates with partners like Washington State University and leverages its national network to deliver technical support, risk management education, and capacity-building resources to immigrant and veteran farming communities.