Minani Esta and Renovat D.

Esta’s Farm | Des Moines, Iowa

Why do you want to farm?

I have been farming since I was 8 years old with my family back in Africa. Farming has always been in my life and it has always been a source of income to support my family. I like that farming provides us with food to eat and supports others by providing them with fresh food.

What are you farming right now?

I am farming eggplants, bell peppers, lenga lenga, beans, green onions, purple onions, isogo, squash. I have access to 3 plots in the global greens incubator farm.

What’s your vision for your farm?

I need to keep growing with my farm because it helps me and my family and I would like it to be my main sources of income. I would like to be able to farm 2-acres, with a long term goal of owning that much land. As I grow I would like to adjust my production based on clients demand and what sells the best. Someday I considered introducing goats to my farm to help with production and maybe sell them as well.

Why do you want to participate in this program?

I want to participate in this program because it will help us save and invest in our farm.