Not only is Harvest 107 starting small micro-gardens at orphanages and communities throughout Haiti, but they recently started an initiative called “Walking with Farmers.” Their agronomy student’s family didn’t have enough money to afford their land— which is a problem among many Haitian farmers. People are leaving their traditional jobs of farming because they can no longer compete with the cheap, imported foods.

In the 90’s, policies were created that helped make imported white rice from the U.S. cheap in Haiti. Haitian rice farmers have had a difficult time competing with the imported rice and donation food. From what I have witnessed in Haiti, many orphanages and missions in Haiti are serving donated food from emergency relief organizations to help cut overhead costs; yet, donated food still comes with hefty fees to ship food to Haiti in large containers. The disadvantages of using emergency food is that it has become a part of the normal meal routine for many children, it takes away an opportunity to boost job creation in Haiti, as well as limiting the exposure of native foods to children.

Don’t get me wrong! There can be a place for food aid and food donations; however, when food donations and aid displaces the need for local farmers and does not include local people in the plan for eliminating a hunger crisis this becomes a social justice issue. Farmers play an important role in helping increase food security, reducing malnutrition, and even helping solve environmental issues.

This is what I love about Harvest 107; they understand this! They understand the need and importance of farmers for solving the hunger crisis. Their efforts to help this family farm are not only through financial support, but also through education and mobilization. Poor infrastructure and lack of good transportation are just a few of the challenges farmers in low income countries face when it comes time to selling food from their farms. Harvest 107 has restored my hope for farmers and for Haiti’s future.