The Hmong American Farmers Association plans to buy the Dakota County farmland they are currently leasing, counting on $2 million in state bonding. The association has been leasing the land in Vermillion Township for more than six years, allowing 100 farmers to grow fruit and vegetables just 15 minutes south of St. Paul.
The Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA) has been leasing the land in Vermillion Township for more than six years, allowing 100 farmers to grow fruit and vegetables just 15 minutes south of St. Paul. But leasing left the farmers with a sense of uncertainty, especially since suitable farmland near Minneapolis and St. Paul is increasingly scarce.
The non-profit leases plots to its members and uses several areas to conduct research and demonstrations to train members in sustainable agricultural practices.
HAFA is able to purchase the land with $2 million included in the state’s $1.9 billion infrastructure borrowing package. Gov. Tim Walz signed the measure into law on Oct. 21, and toured the land a week later. The group must come up with $500,000 to complete the purchase.
Source: startribune.com