Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA) Builds Wealth for Hmong Farmers
Janssen HAng, a first-generation Hmong American, uses the traditional farming methods his parents practiced in Laos, and 20 years of experience in agriculture and education, to empower HAFA farmers.
“At HAFA we have a theory of change, how we build the capacity of our farmers and actually work toward building wealth creation. That’s our holistic approach to what we do.”
Janssen Hang
How Does Your Farmer Grow?
Since its founding in 2011, HAFA has supported Hmong American farming families with a mission of growing communal success through cooperative endeavors, capacity building and advocacy.
The membership-based nonprofit organization was created and is led by Hmong American farmers.
As part of their integrated approach to community wealth building, farm members have the opportunity to lease at least five acres of land on the 155-acre farm and learn skills for how to fine-tune their business and agricultural practices.
Snapshots
Combining What’s Old With What’s New
Farmers at HAFA are treated like family.
Besides supplying land and training, HAFA also helps its farmers sell their produce. Through the HAFA Food Hub, produce from the farmers is aggregated and sold across the state to community-supported agriculture (CSA) shares, institutions and retailers.
The importance of HAFA is its ability to combine the education and knowledge of its staff with the hard work, knowledge and skills of its expert farmers.
By combining what’s old with what’s new, HAFA hopes it will diminish the disparities facing Hmong farmers so they have the same access and opportunities as the rest of Minnesota’s farming community.
“All these components build our community wealth, and that’s what I want to lead our farmers to. It increases the self-advocacy of our farmers and empowers them to a level that they can be self-sustaining.”
Janssen Hang
More Stories
Community-Led Investments Building a Stronger Minnesota
Community-driven organizations creating new pathways to economic opportunities and long-term prosperity across Minnesota.
Learn More
Five Ways to Make the Most of Your Year-End Giving
Learn how to be intentional with your year-end giving by following these simple tips.
See the Ways
Showing Up for the Place We Call Home: This Election and Beyond
What we heard across Minnesota this year, what we’re doing about it and resources for election season
Learn More
Our Downtown Headquarters: An Expansion & Investment in Saint Paul
Expansion at Osborn370 will strengthen statewide engagement, expand opportunities for collaboration and offer a new destination for community.
See the News
Moving Money from Wall Street to Main Street
The Foundation's new investment portfolios are creating opportunities for investors and strengthening communities across the state.
Learn More
Honoring Two Decades of Courage, Leadership and Racial Justice
What began as a bold commitment to naming and addressing racism has grown into a celebration of the people, partnerships and movements creating a more just Minnesota for all.
Learn More
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Helps Build a New Future for Rural Minnesota
Learn how the Foundation's investment in Green Acres Milling is creating financial opportunities for the city of Albert Lea
Meet Green Acres Milling
Downtown Saint Paul Draws $15 Million Commitment from Foundation
The Foundation joins Securian Financial and the Bush Foundation in backing downtown’s redevelopment and takes seats on the governing bodies directing the work.
See the News