New Roots, a program established by the International Rescue Committee, is providing land in a vacant Phoenix downtown lot for refugees to plant their own crops. The program aims to provide people of different backgrounds with a place to congregate while providing them with food and a source of income. Cronkite News reporter Mugo Odigwe has the story.
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Farmers get a head start on the process by transplanting onion plants.
John Bolmeier
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Carissa Gould, a Phoenix local, takes a break from planting to entertain her son Getty.
John Bolmeier
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Safala Chhetri, a refugee from Bhutan, reaches into her bag of onions while her husband readies the soil in the background.
John Bolmeier
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A variety of crops is being planted in the lot.
John Bolmeier
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A farmer levels out his row of land before planting seeds.
John Bolmeier
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A seeder sits ready for use while a farmer mixes fresh soil into the ground.
John Bolmeier
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Hot sun overhead as farmers prepare their land for planting seeds.
John Bolmeier
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After staking out their rows of soil, most farmers plant their seeds by hand.
John Bolmeier
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Eighty refugee farmers have committed to PHX Renews, working alongside volunteers.
John Bolmeier
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Farmers stay focused on their work.
John Bolmeier
Eighty refugee farmers have committed to the program, working alongside volunteers and teaching sustainable farming techniques. Click on the slideshow to the left to see photos of farmers preparing the soil, working the land, planting seeds and transplanting young plants.
See related story:
Phoenix to transform vacant lot into hub for agriculture, art, public gatherings