Green Jobs

Left, Chinese Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) may have an insulin-lowering effect. Right, Thai okra (Luffa aegyptiaca) is a good source of vitamin C and fiber. Both purchased locally.

Most of our clients are naturally skilled farmers. In American terms, we'd call them "green subsistence" farmers. A few work in commercial nurseries and some have garden plots if space and landlords permit. Until recently such skills weren't in much demand in the local economy, but now that organic and ethnic produce have arrived in area markets perhaps there's an opportunity to practice their skills, contribute their knowledge of Southeast Asian plants, and develop related businesses. The high quality, added-value produce at Whole Foods or Earth Fare command similarly high prices, so we know there's a willing market.

How might we best promote our clients' talents to this meet this new market?

1. Starter plants. Grow vegetable plants from seed, an inexpensive investment that mostly requires time. Sell plants through neighborhood and farmer's market.

2. Home garden. Limited to whatever land is available, usually a rented property, and subject to landlord's approval (if say, one wanted to do extensive digging and conversion of lawn or backyard to usable land).
--Many Montagnards to this. We'd like to encourage it more by making it cheaper. Rain barrels are one way of cutting water costs, especially during droughts.

3. Community gardens.
--We're participating in an initiative circulating through the community from Guilford College AmeriCorps.
--We've been talking to Karen Neill of NC Cooperative Extension Service
--We've been helping the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church on Yanceyville Street to start their garden.
--Some of our clients earn vegetables through an agreement to weed and maintain a couples' backyard garden.

4. Larger scale farming
--Our morning English class has gone out to work the fields of Urban Harvest's heavily publicized inner city farm project.
--Individuals join Daniel to harvest vegetables through NIMBY Gardens.

Past area projects:
Project Green Leaf headed by Dr Susan Andreatta of UNCG ran a community garden-type project on Phillips Avenue for 2 growing seasons. It included some Montagnard participants. See http://greenleaf.uncg.edu/