KU Study Finds New Roots Program Boosts Refugee Well-Being

By Scout Nelson

Kansas University (KU) researchers found that New Roots, a farming program for refugees, immigrants and English language learners, provides benefits that extend beyond agriculture. The study showed participants improved their mental and physical well-being while gaining skills needed to operate independent farming businesses.

Located on a 7.5-acre farm in Kansas City, Missouri, the program allows participants to lease a quarter-acre plot and learn sustainable farming and business management. Researchers Joonmo Kang and Cheryl Holmes began studying the initiative in 2022 through interviews, focus groups and community engagement activities.

Participants often compared New Roots with their full-time jobs in warehouses, meatpacking plants and service industries. Many described those positions as restrictive, offering limited flexibility and repetitive work conditions.

In contrast, New Roots gave participants greater control over their schedules and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships. “That sense of flexibility and agency meant so much to them,” Kang said.

The program teaches a range of practical skills, including sustainable farming methods, pest management, business planning, tax preparation, record keeping and marketing. Participants also gain experience selling products through farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture programs and wholesale channels.

Many farmers arrived in the United States with agricultural experience but needed support adapting to American business practices and regulations. The program also helps participants improve their English language skills while building knowledge of the U.S. agricultural system.

Researchers found that strong community connections were another key benefit of New Roots. Farmers regularly shared meals, supported one another and built relationships with customers through local markets and community events.

“This gave them a sense of meaning and of being part of the broader Kansas City community,” Kang said. “They were not just selling produce but also bringing homegrown plants like mchicha, sharing recipes and exchanging knowledge. It wasn't only selling produce, it was reciprocity.”

Kang emphasized that the research focused on collaboration and trust-building with participants. He said the community-centered approach helped ensure the findings were valuable to both the organization and the people it serves.

Photo Credit: university-of-kansas.jpg