Foundation leads $100K Leafy Greens Project to support Saipan farmers

The P.D. Hemlani Foundation, Ltd. was awarded a $64,000 Rural Business Development Grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to farmers pn Saipan. The awarded grant funds, along with an over $40,000 donation of resources from PDHF, will be used to fulfill the “Leafy Greens Project” in Saipan which aims to assist local farmers in the production and sale of leafy green vegetables.

PDHF will administer the Leafy Greens Project in partnership with Farm to Table Guam, a nonprofit corporation whose goals include diversifying and expanding the capacity of the local farming industry; contributing to the economic betterment of the community by supporting existing farmers and creating jobs related to farming; and promoting healthy lifestyles by encouraging everyone to eat fresh and nutritious food grown locally.

“PDHF is pleased to receive the USDA Rural Business Development Grant. The award allows our foundation to expand its resources and deliver what we hope to be the first of many programs to assist the communities of the CNMI and Guam,” said Elicia Santo Tomas, PDHF operations manager and Leafy Greens Project director.

PDHF and FTT will work with local Saipan farmers, the CNMI Division of Agriculture, and Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service. The Leafy Green Project aims to increase the farmer’s technical skills in areas of business planning, sales and marketing, and sustainable practices. Through multiple working sessions, farmers have the opportunity to come together to discuss their challenges and connect with resources to address them. Melanie Mendiola, FTT Project director will facilitate and conduct much of the training with the assistance of other agricultural professionals.

“FTT’s goal is to grow healthy businesses and create more jobs in the agricultural community. It is not just about knowing how to grow crops, it is also about refining business skills so that farmers offer consistency, value, and a beautiful final product to the customer. This is how they will support their families, and ultimately grow a more sustainable economy,” said Mendiola.

Agnes M. McPhetres, PDHF board member and CEO of the Northern Marianas Trades Institute, said, “Hands on learning is key in vocational education. The Northern Marianas Trades Institute prepares students to the enter the job market and is excited that the Leafy Greens Project will be in Saipan. The project will not only assist existing farmers, but will help cultivate new farmers by inviting interested students to attend lectures about agriculture and business sustainability.”

PDHF’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of individuals, families and communities by creating opportunities and providing assistance for continued growth in health, education and social welfare throughout Guam and the Northern Marianas.

Saipan farmers who are interested in learning about the Leafy Greens Project or attending lectures should contact Elicia Santo Tomas of PDHF at (671)647-0389 or esantotomas@pdhfoundation.org.