Land Steward + Incubator Partner Program

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Small Axe Farm Land Steward + Incubator Program is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Black/BIPOC Land Stewards + Farmers by cultivating a hub of hands-on training, mentorship, collective learning, and shared resources for skill development. We aim to create a supportive environment that empowers “budding” Land Stewards + Farmers to cultivate their passion for agriculture, build sustainable businesses, and contribute to a resilient Black-led Food System.

We tested - by surveying farmers across King County to learn of their challenges - which stemmed from access to land - but many acknowledged that basic needs remain a critical-need as low-moderate income workers with {often} farm-housing, child + elder care, medical and transportation needs. This was foundational to the development of our Land Steward + Incubator Program, which offers quarterly stipends to land-stewards that sow the land that we collectively share in order to advance feeding our communities.

In our Inaugural Pilot Year of the Land Steward + Incubator Partner Program, we welcomed eight {8} Partners.

“Having access to this space gave my family and me a chance to work together and became a wonderful bonding experience that not only helped us connect with the land but also with each other. It’s exciting to see the potential this space holds for our farming journey with our business and the ways we can use it to expand our community outreach.” - T. Holmes