Catholic Charities Announces their Departure from New Roots

For the last 17 years, Cultivate KC and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas have collaborated to run the New Roots farm training program. Together over the years, we have supported over 50 immigrant and refugee families in starting small farm businesses in Kansas City. Sadly, recent changes on the federal level have resulted in a loss of critical resources and support for refugees and immigrants nationwide, including funding for the New Roots program. 

In 2025, we have been facing our own funding freezes and delays. In February, Catholic Charities also received notice from the USDA that a large, multi-year federal grant supporting New Roots would be illegally terminated, effective immediately. After careful deliberation, Catholic Charities has made the difficult decision to leave the new Roots program, no longer providing staff or financial support after October 15th, 2025. 

Yes, it’s more sad news, but Cultivate KC is committed to the continuation of Juniper Gardens Training Farm and the New Roots program. This season, things will continue as planned. Farmers have gotten their spring transplants into the ground, the Farm Share CSA program is underway, and a robust wholesale market wants its local produce.  

We are working with our friends at Catholic Charities to form a transition plan for the continuation of the program after October, and we are diligently looking for additional funding sources and partnerships to hire staff and continue services into next year and beyond with as minimal disruption as possible.  

The farmers- and our staff- are really feeling the weight of all this uncertainty. Are you wondering how you can help? New Roots farmers need your support more than ever. Please purchase or donate a farm share and buy their produce at area markets. Also, please donate to Cultivate KC, volunteer your time, and attend our events. 

We think these farmers are an invaluable part of our local food system, and we know you do, too.