At the recent Skagit County government meeting, the spotlight shone on vital support for local farmers, particularly within the Latinx community. Eber Rivera, the small farm and beginning farmer program coordinator, highlighted the crucial role of bilingual assistance in helping farmers navigate the complexities of grant applications and compliance reporting.

Rivera praised Grama, a key translator and interpreter, for her exceptional work in farm stress and suicide prevention initiatives. Her on-site Spanish interpretation has proven invaluable, breaking down language barriers that often hinder access to essential resources. "People like her are very hard to find in the world, so we're very fortunate to have her," Rivera noted.

The technical assistance program has made significant strides, enabling Latina farmers to apply for various grants, including the WSA infrastructure grant and USDA marketing programs. Rivera emphasized the importance of this support, stating, "Navigating paperwork in a different language is a challenge for many of our farmers." The program not only assists with initial applications but also ensures farmers are informed about reporting requirements, helping them stay compliant throughout the grant lifecycle.

In total, the program has successfully accessed around $35,000 in funding for approximately 25 farmers, showcasing the tangible impact of these efforts. As the meeting concluded, the commitment to supporting local agriculture and fostering inclusivity within the farming community was clear, with ongoing initiatives poised to enhance the livelihoods of Skagit County's farmers.