“Hmong farmers constantly inspire me,” says Mary Ellen Frame, “their adaptability is impressive, they brought knowledge from a place where the climate, soil, pests, weeds, let alone the economy are all so different, yet they still are such skilled farmers here in Minnesota.” Mary Ellen was acquainted with HAFA when she attended Pakou’s convocation at Carleton College last May. She also saw the “Seeds Of Change” exhibit, highlighting Hmong farmers at the Minnesota Museum of American Art.
Mary Ellen is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture. She grew out of a family of farmers, and started her own little farm in 1989 in Northfield, Minnesota. She has been a part of the Sustainable Farmers Association since its onset 25 years ago. During her lifetime of farming, vast changes have occurred in the field of agriculture.
Despite some challenges, she says that in her opinion, these changes are positive. “When I started my tiny farm in 1989, it was very exceptional to farm in a way that was good for the environment,” she said. She has witnessed the growth of farmers markets and small, diversified farms, as well as publicity and visibility increase through the hard work of people who are passionate about this kind of farming.
A prevalent and crucial challenge Mary sees in sustainable agriculture is land access. “Cost of land is the biggest barrier.” Land access is one of HAFA’s main areas of focus. Access to affordable and long-term land near metropolitan areas is a problem for our farmers, and necessary for sustainability and vitality. Mary’s glad that HAFA farmers are able to acquire land and hopes even more are able to in the future.
Also, she is pleased that collaboration is easy for HAFA farmers, because they work in close proximity on the HAFA farm. As a farmer, she considers idea sharing and ready communication key aspects for success. Partnership helps ensure that farmers learn from each other and pass down information.
Mary Ellen Frame is a new supporter of HAFA. Seeing people passionate about sustainable agriculture and a group of talented farmers succeed makes her very happy. Thank you for your support Mary Ellen!
We are dedicated to advancing the prosperity of Hmong farmers through cooperative endeavors, capacity building and advocacy. HAFA was started and is led by family farmers. Organizing is in our DNA.