Farming is in our DNA
In 2011, a group of Hmong American farming families formed the Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA) because we believed the best people to support Hmong farmers are Hmong farmers themselves and that we are all lifted up when those who are affected by an unfair food system lead the change we seek.
We formed with the mission to advance the prosperity of Hmong American farmers through cooperative endeavors, capacity building and advocacy.
- Finding Peace on the Farm: A HAFA Farmer’s Reflection on Growing Up FarmingIt is hard to say exactly how many years I have been farming because farming isn’t measured in years but in memories. For as long as I can remember, my summers were spent pushing the seeding machine through rows of soil, planting trays and trays of transplants, weeding never-ending rows of seedlings, sitting on 5-gallon pail buckets picking cucumbers and beans, and selling vegetables at the farmers’ market. I was always jealous of my other friends, classmates, and cousins who spent their days at camps, fishing, traveling, and watching TV all summer. When I was young, farming was the last… Read more: Finding Peace on the Farm: A HAFA Farmer’s Reflection on Growing Up Farming
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At HAFA, growing food is only one part of the story. Behind every harvest is a system that makes it possible—spaces for storage, equipment for processing, and infrastructure that supports farmers at every stage of their work.![]()
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We’re beginning to share more about our Capital Improvement Project, which focuses on strengthening these essential systems. This work is about creating long-term sustainability, ensuring that farmers have what they need not just for this season, but for many seasons to come.![]()
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When we talk about building stronger food systems, this is what we mean. It’s thoughtful, behind-the-scenes work that creates real impact over time.![]()
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We’re looking forward to bringing you along as we share more about what this project includes and how it will support both farmers and the broader community.![]()
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Photo credit: Lillian (HAFA Farmer)
We’re excited to share that the HAFA team will be at the Eco Fair at Summit Ave today in St. Paul! 🌱![]()
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At HAFA, sustainability isn’t just a talking point. It’s part of the everyday work our farmers do to care for the land, grow healthy food, and strengthen local food systems for future generations. Events like this are a reminder that building a greener future happens through community, education, and practical action.![]()
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The Eco Fair at Summit is free, family-friendly, and filled with opportunities to explore climate-smart living and local sustainability efforts. From electric vehicles and e-bikes to pollinator gardens, solar energy, food trucks, and even baby goats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.![]()
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We’d love for you to stop by, say hello, and connect with us under the big tent today!![]()
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Learn more about the event here: www.mnipl.org/eco-fair-on-summit/![]()
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#EcoFairOnSummit #Sustainability #LocalFood #ClimateSmartFarming #MinnesotaFarmers #HAFA
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Some seasons don’t arrive loudly.![]()
They return quietly, one small sign at a time.![]()
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A bud opening where there was once only bare ground.![]()
Longer days after months of cold.![]()
Rows of produce stretching toward the sun.![]()
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Spring has always carried a certain kind of hope on the HAFA Farm. A reminder that growth often begins before we can fully see it.![]()
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As another season begins, we’ve been reflecting on the many moments — past and present — that make this work meaningful: farmers tending the land with care, families gathering around fresh food, students learning where their food comes from, and community members choosing to support local agriculture year after year.![]()
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Growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, care, uncertainty, and hope.![]()
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And spring reminds us that even after long seasons, growth is still possible.![]()
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#SpringAtHAFA #SupportLocalFarmers #LocalFoodSystems #MinnesotaFarms #CommunityGrowth
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.