Powering Hope: Refugee Farmers Cultivating Dreams in the Heart of Texas
In the heart of Texas, amidst the rolling fields and rich soil of Manor, a transformative movement is taking root, fostering empowerment, unity, and sustenance.
Meet the unsung heroes—the refugee farmers of New Leaf Agriculture, whose journey from distant lands to Texan soil has become a beacon of resilience, community, and agricultural resurgence.
Krishna Bista’s tale embodies the essence of this remarkable endeavor. Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Bhutan, she was woven into the fabric of a family farm teeming with sweet potatoes, ginger, corn, and an array of bountiful crops.
However, destiny dealt a different hand, compelling her to seek asylum in Nepal, leaving behind not just her homeland but her very source of sustenance for almost two decades.
The transition from reliance to empowerment was illuminated when Krishna found solace and purpose through New Leaf Agriculture.
“I’m happy now, because I can feed myself and I have friends and a support system, thanks to New Leaf,” she says, reflecting on the newfound sense of belonging and autonomy.
Her narrative intertwines with Meg Erskine’s vision as the co-founder and CEO of the Multicultural Refugee Coalition (MRC). Within the walls of Central Presbyterian Church in Austin, a haven for hope and opportunity, Krishna found a lifeline that rekindled her connection to agriculture.
Through the guiding light of MRC, New Leaf emerged, a sanctuary empowering refugees to reclaim their agricultural heritage, embedding dignity and self-sufficiency into every furrow they cultivate.
At the heart of this transformation is a testament to resilience and the unyielding spirit of the refugee farmers. Matt Simon, New Leaf’s agricultural director, recognizes this inherent trait.
Underscoring the empowerment that sprouts when control over one’s destiny is restored, as Matt Simon emphasizes,
“Self-sufficiency is in their blood.”
The verdant tapestry woven by New Leaf extends far beyond the confines of a farm; it’s a vibrant ecosystem fostering inclusivity and cultural synergy.
The public-facing farm, nurtured since 2017, not only sustains its community through its CSA shares but also extends a hand of generosity, offering a lifeline to families in need through partnerships with local organizations.
The seeds of empowerment planted by New Leaf bear fruit through a community farmer program, sown in the fall of 2022. This visionary initiative nurtures individual aspirations, providing refugees with the means to cultivate their own cultural crops.
Grant funding from Travis County catalyzes this movement, underscoring the ethos of enabling self-sustenance and entrepreneurial spirit.
Doli Wikongo’s story resonates deeply within this narrative. For her, New Leaf wasn’t just a sanctuary; it was the cornerstone of assimilation and community.
“The farm is a community of immigrants,” she shares, painting a vivid picture of unity and familial bonds transcending geographical boundaries.
The inception of New Leaf was a confluence of fate and determination. Wandaka, a teen touched by the significance of agricultural programming for refugee immigrants, became the impetus for this transformative movement.
His vision, complemented by the generosity of individuals like Jon Beall, forged the path for New Leaf’s inaugural season.
The pioneers like Doli Wikongo and Krishna Bista, now stalwarts in New Leaf’s journey, epitomize resilience and leadership. Leading a crew that tends to over 50 diverse crops, they sow not just seeds but aspirations, bridging cultural chasms through shared agricultural practices.
The ethos of New Leaf extends beyond the fields. The farm’s commitment to fair wages, educational support, and community integration amplifies its impact. ESL classes, healthcare navigation, and partnerships with local organizations underscore their holistic approach to empowerment.
The community farmer program is a tapestry woven with diversity—24 individuals from varied cultural backgrounds, united by a common purpose. Their plots, embellished with cultural crops, echo stories of resilience, heritage, and culinary artistry.
Krishna Bista’s plot mirrors her roots, adorned with daikon radish, kale, and the fiery Dalle Khursani peppers, reminiscent of her Bhutanese heritage. Doli Wikongo, with her daughters, cultivates a tapestry of cauliflower, greens, and squash, weaving Congolese culinary traditions into the fabric of Texan soil.
Learning the nuances of Texan agriculture posed challenges, yet these farmers persevered. Wikongo, accustomed to tropical farming, adapted to new methodologies, enriching her skills in greenhouse management and soil cultivation.
Her love for farming transcends the barriers of climate and geography, illuminating her unwavering dedication.
This saga of resilience and agricultural renaissance embodies the spirit of hope and empowerment. New Leaf Agriculture isn’t just a farm; it’s a testament to human potential, a sanctuary for dreams to sprout and flourish in the fertile soil of Texas.
Discover more detail on the refugee farmers stories here.
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