Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 29 M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 AWARD B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S O F T H E Y E A R counties. And securing long-term leases was also challenging because we were dealing sometimes with over 100 farm- ers. Now that we have our own piece of land to farm, the challenge is that we need infrastructure like roads and build- ings for processing vegetables. MB: Do you feel Maine is a welcoming place for people who have immigrated here? ML: Maine is an easy-going and acces- sible state. When I was living in New York, I was in a larger city, and it was hard to adapt to the pace. It was also hard to figure out where you could go to get help. Here in Maine, people are understanding, and will take the time to listen. e colleges and universities here are also willing to help out grass- roots organizations. MB: What kind of 'barriers' do you feel you and your organization have helped break? ML: We've helped our community start a farming business when it would have been very, very difficult to access land or get other resources that are necessary. MB: Are you worried about the political divisiveness in the U.S. and the negative feelings sometimes expressed toward immigrant groups? ML: Since 2015, we have been seeing people who openly express hatred toward African immigrants, and this has affected us all. So much to the point that we have to make sure the places we go are safe. For some of our community members, the radius of their movements has been dramatically reduced, because we see people who are ready to attack us and cause harm. MB: Over the next five years, what are your plans for the association, for Liberation Farms, and yourself? ML: Our plan is to become self-suf- ficient. We are planning to continue farming produce and meat, to have food that people can access and know where it's from, to create jobs for our community, and to earn live- lihoods for our families. MB: What words of advice would you give to a businessperson from another country coming to Maine? ML: It is not easy to start a new business in Maine, but it is doable. Patience is the key. And be friendly — even when dealing with people who are not your friends. Wil l iam Hal l, Mainebiz Managing E d i t o r / D i g i t a l O p e r a t i o n s , c a n b e r e a c h e d a t w h a l l @ m a i n e b i z . b i z Launch WELL & THRIVE! Dirigo Labs| 10 Water Street, Waterville | dirigolabs.org empeople.com • (800) 338-6739 HELLO MAINE Maine's oldest credit union has a new name Somali Bantu Community Association of Maine somalibantumaine.org / 222 Pine St., Lewiston What it does: Runs a community agriculture program in Wales, Liberation Farms, that provides New American farmers land and other help so they can produce sustainable food for themselves, their families and their communi- ties. Also provides community advocacy, such as conflict resolution, transla- tion and interpretation; immigration services, such as preparing for citizen- ship interviews; medical coordination, such as helping navigate insurance coverage; and cultural programs for youth. Employees: 10 staff, dozens of farmers Access to a piece of land was the greatest challenge for our farmers. There were times we were renting four different properties, across multiple counties.

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