Job Description

TITLE: Farmer Advocate

LOCATION: Vermillion Township/West St Paul

COMPENSATION: Full-Time, Permanent, $50,000-$55,000 (based on experience)

SUPERVISOR: Capacity Building Director

The Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA) is seeking to hire a Farmer Advocates to provide technical assistance andsupport to HAFA’s farmer members, as well as grow HAFA’s membership, and the organization’s strategic partnerships.

HAFA is a social justice organization that is committed to advancing the economic, social and cultural prosperity of Hmong American farmers through advocacy, economic development, capacity building and research. More specifically, HAFA uses an organizing approach to work with its members and other farmers in the Hmong community to access land, equipment, capital and trainings so that they can improve their farming operations, and thereby, lift their families out of poverty. As a member based organization, HAFA was started by and is led by Hmong American farmers.

Job Description

The Farmer Advocate will serve as the main provider of technical assistance and support to the organization’s farmer members.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

· Supervising HAFA interns, volunteers and other seasonal workers;

· Working with HAFA’s statewide and national partners and allies;

· Collecting data for grant deliverables;

· Providing technical assistance and support on:

o Farmer Trainings

o Soil Health

o Emerging Crops and Other Research Projects

o Crop Insurance/ Crop Mapping/ Crop Planning and Crop Loss Claims Process

o Federal Programs such as EQIP and CRP

o Whole Farm Planning

o Record Keeping

o Farm Business Management

o Farm Equipment Purchases

o Accessing Microloans

o Food Safety and Post-Harvest Handling

o Sorting and Grading Produce

o Supplying Produce for Customized Community Supported Agriculture; and

· Using community organizing tactics and strategies to grow intergenerational and community wealth for Hmong farmers.

Requirements

The ideal candidate should be highly motivated with excellent interpersonal and bi-cultural communication skills. He or she must be detail oriented, mature, and be willing to work hard. HAFA operates in a mission driven and fast pace manner, and the ideal candidate must be able to work with farmers and other team members, under tight deadlines and unpredictable weather conditions, all the while getting the work done.

He or she must have 1-3 years’ experience in the agricultural, teaching, social work or community organizing sectors and be willing to undergo intense learning around technical issues in farming. The ideal candidate must also be knowledgeable of Microsoft and other office related software programs. Some evenings and weekend hours may be required. Ability to fluently speak Hmong and familiarity with Hmong culture and customs is critical.

HAFA is especially interested in candidates who are committed to social, economic and racial justice. If interested, please send a

cover letter, a resume with three references, and a writing sample to: Hmong American Farmers Association at info@hmongfarmers.com.

Company Description

Hmong American Farmers Association

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Farmer Advocate