We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joshuaa Allison-Burbank. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joshuaa below.
Joshuaa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
At +Rainbow Farms, my journey of learning the craft of farming and advocating for food sovereignty has been both enriching and transformative, deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability, community, and social equity. This journey began with hands-on experience, where I immersed myself in community engagement, seeking opportunities to work alongside seasoned farmers. While working with Don Lorenzo Candelaria with Candelaria Organics in South Valley of Albuquerque, NM, I relearned what it means to do community work. I learned how to do work collectively and how to prioritize land stewardship.
A pivotal aspect of my work is navigating and aligning my practices with Diné and Pueblo values. These traditions emphasize harmony with nature, stewardship of the earth, and the importance of community interconnectedness. By integrating these values into my farming approach, I enhance my connection to the land while honoring the cultural heritage of the communities I serve. This alignment is especially crucial as I strive to serve underserved populations, ensuring that fresh, nutritious, and culturally relevant food is accessible to all, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.
Key skills have been instrumental in my development as a farmer dedicated to community service. A deep knowledge of agriculture, including the intricacies of crop cycles, pest management, and organic farming techniques, allows me to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where both plants and community can flourish. Additionally, developing business acumen has proven essential; understanding marketing strategies, budgeting, and resource management enables me to effectively connect with consumers and ensure the sustainability of +Rainbow Farms.
However, this journey has not been without its challenges. Access to essential resources often posed significant obstacles. Financial constraints, limited access to land, and the tools required for effective farming have tested my resolve. Additionally, knowledge gaps presented hurdles; finding reliable information and skilled mentors in sustainable practices was sometimes daunting. Navigating the regulatory landscape, particularly in obtaining necessary certifications for organic farming, added layers of complexity to my mission of promoting food sovereignty.
Despite these challenges, my commitment to learning, growth, and service remains steadfast. Engaging with local farming cooperatives and participating in workshops has been invaluable for expanding my knowledge and resources. By fostering relationships rooted in Diné and Pueblo values, I am dedicated to not only honoring the land but also ensuring that our agricultural practices prioritize and uplift underserved communities. Together, we can create a food system that is equitable, sustainable, and reflective of the wisdom of our ancestors, paving the way for a healthier future for all.
Joshuaa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Dr. Joshuaa Allison-Burbank, PhD, CCC-SLP is a dedicated farmer, educator, and advocate for food sovereignty, known for his commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and community engagement. With a deep respect for the land and its cultural significance, Joshuaa has positioned himself at the forefront of efforts to promote food access and equity, especially within underserved communities.
His journey into farming began with a hands-on approach, where he gained invaluable experience working on various farms. This foundational knowledge was enhanced by formal education, where he studied sustainable agriculture and environmental sciences. Joshuaa’s work is heavily influenced by Diné and Pueblo values, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of stewardship and respect for natural resources.
At +Rainbow Farms, Joshuaa has cultivated a diverse array of crops while implementing organic and regenerative farming practices. His farm serves not only as a source of fresh produce but also as a community hub, fostering relationships and collaborating with local organizations to improve food access. By focusing on education and outreach, he works to empower community members with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice sustainable agriculture in their own lives.
Joshuaa is passionate about addressing the systemic challenges faced by underserved populations. He believes that equitable access to healthy food is a fundamental right and actively works to dismantle barriers that prevent communities from achieving food sovereignty. Through workshops, educational programs, and partnerships with local groups, he strives to provide resources and support to those historically marginalized in the food system.
With an unwavering commitment to sustainability, cultural respect, and community empowerment, Dr. Joshuaa Allison-Burbank continues to inspire others in his quest for a more just and equitable food system.
Joshuaa lives and works in Albuquerque, NM.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Managing a team effectively while maintaining high morale is crucial to fostering a productive and positive work environment, especially in the demanding realm of farm work and community engagement. Drawing from my experiences at +Rainbow Farms, I’ve found several key strategies to be particularly effective.
First and foremost, cultivating open communication is essential. I strive to create a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Regular check-ins and an open-door policy encourage dialogue, allowing everyone to feel heard and valued. This foundation of communication builds trust and strengthens our team’s bond.
Empowering team members is another cornerstone of my approach. I believe in delegating responsibilities and entrusting individuals with specific tasks, which enhances their sense of ownership and investment in the work. By providing opportunities for leadership—whether through project management or skill development—I foster confidence and initiative among the team.
Aligning our work with shared values is also paramount. Integrating Diné and Pueblo values into our everyday practices emphasizes the importance of community connection and stewardship of the land. When my team sees their efforts as part of a larger purpose, it fosters a profound sense of belonging and motivation.
Celebrating achievements, both big and small, plays a crucial role in maintaining morale. I make it a point to recognize and honor our team’s accomplishments—be it a successful harvest, completing a challenging project, or simply overcoming a tough day. Acknowledgment boosts spirits and reinforces our sense of teamwork.
Encouraging personal growth is equally important. I invest in my team members’ professional and personal development by providing training opportunities, workshops, and mentoring. This commitment shows that I genuinely care about their success and growth beyond the immediate tasks at hand.
Creating a supportive environment is vital, especially in the physically and emotionally demanding landscape of farming. I encourage team bonding through social events and team-building activities, fostering an atmosphere where everyone can relax and connect on a personal level.
Finally, I understand the importance of leading by example. My actions set the tone for the team; when I demonstrate positivity, resilience, and respect for each team member, it inspires them to embody those same qualities.
By prioritizing open communication, empowerment, shared values, celebration of achievements, personal growth, support, and leading by example, I believe we can create a thriving team dynamic. This not only contributes to our farm’s success but also enriches the lives of each team member. High morale is a natural outcome of our shared commitment to a common goal, and when everyone feels valued, we all thrive together.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that success in farming is solely measured by yield and productivity. Early in my journey, much of my focus was on maximizing output, striving for higher crop yields and profitability as the primary indicators of success. This approach, while common in conventional agriculture, often overlooked the holistic and interconnected nature of farming and community.
The backstory behind this realization came as I began to align my work more deeply with Diné and Pueblo values, which emphasize sustainability, stewardship of the land, and the importance of community well-being. Through engaging with local farmers and community members, I started to see the broader implications of my practices beyond just the business metrics. I observed that the well-being of the land and community was intrinsically linked to the health of my farm. Practices that prioritized short-term gains often led to long-term degradation of resources, harming both the environment and community relationships.
I realized that true success is defined not only by the quantity of produce harvested but also by the quality of relationships built and the health of the ecosystem nurtured. This shift in perspective emphasized patience, resilience, and a commitment to sustainable practices. It was important to prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and community engagement over mere profits.
Unlearning this ingrained mindset has transformed my approach to farming and life as a whole. I now focus on creating a thriving, interconnected ecosystem that honors traditional practices while meeting the needs of the community. Ultimately, my journey has taught me that success is a multifaceted concept, deeply rooted in sustainability, social responsibility, and the well-being of both the land and the communities we serve.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ndnslp
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaa-allison-burbank-12a00b83/
Image Credits
Ed Cunecelli