Hmong farmers from across the nation met in Fresno this week to discuss challenges facing small producers, and to share tips. The group is now reaching out to other minority producers, including a group called Lideres Campesinas, an organization composed of women farmers and farm workers. African-American and Filipino farmers also attended.

There are cultural differences between the groups, but the challenges faced by immigrants adapting to different farming regulations, drought and other issues transcend those differences and create common cause.

Diane Aguilera (@DianaT_Aguilerara) reports for Valley Public Radio (print and audio):

 

Chukou Thao spearheaded the movement.

“That’s a big deal, we needed to unify our voice because they tried to separate us but we don’t see ourselves as two different organizations. Our mission is one: try to feed our families.”

 

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