Minnesota Part of Aid to Boost Fortunes of Disadvantaged Farmers

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – It’s no secret that 2025 was a tough year for many farmers. Minnesota producers just starting out or who’ve faced longstanding roadblocks to becoming profitable might get a hand in 2026 from some new grants.

Just ahead of the New Year, the national nonprofit Farm Aid announced more than $1.1 million in grants to regional relief and support organizations. That’s on top of nearly $200,000 awarded last year.

Minnesota’s Hmong American Farmers Association made the recipient list, and its co-founder and executive director, Janssen Hang, said members they work with are starting to see progress in overcoming equity barriers, such as land access – but they can’t be complacent.

“Without local farmers or small-scale producers here,” he said, “we would not be able to drive such a strong food system.”