Naima Dhore

Farmer | Founder, Somali American Farmers Association & Naima’s Farm, LLC | Community
advocate

As one of Minnesota’s first Certified Organic Somali American vegetable farmers, Naima Dhore is forging a path for generations of immigrant families to come. Her leadership grew from a desire to feed her children nutritious, culturally familiar food without preservatives. That spark led her from growing microgreens in her apartment to operating a 20-acre family farm that follows regenerative farming practices and launching the Somali American Farmers Association. 

Naima’s farm is a model of self-determination, food sovereignty and cultural preservation. She grows crops like millet, okra and various other African crops; educates immigrant youth and elders about agriculture; and welcomes families to reconnect with the land. Her work has received attention and acclaim from community members, state commissioners, USDA officials and international audiences. Her advocacy has helped shift policy at both the state and federal level, opening doors for farmers of color to access land and capital. 

What started as growing culturally appropriate produce has evolved into addressing climate change, economic justice, racial justice and social justice, while showing how food intersects with all these issues. With the Bush Fellowship, she will deepen her skills in public policy, business sustainability and international agricultural leadership.

What has informed your approach to leading change in your community?

My leadership is grounded in my experiences as a Somali refugee, mother and Muslim Black woman navigating systems not built for me. I’ve had to learn how to farm, advocate and build something from the ground up—then teach others how to do it, too. I draw from my cultural heritage, where food was fresh and communal, and from the challenges I’ve faced in accessing land, resources and recognition. To me, leadership means not just making a path but clearing it for those coming after me.

What’s one of the most important lessons your leadership journey has taught you?

One powerful lesson I’ve learned is that lived experience is a form of expertise. I used to think I needed formal credentials to lead, but I realized that my journey—my struggles, resilience and deep community roots—are what make me a strong leader. People connect to authenticity, and by being myself and sharing my story, I’ve been able to open doors for others.