Federal plea turns up vegetable plots for Hmong growers

HASTINGS, Minn. (AP) More than 100 Minnesota and Wisconsin landowners have offered small parcels of their land to rent to Hmong farmers who've had trouble finding small plots near the Twin Cities.

Landowners responded when the U-S Department of Agriculture issued a public appeal to landowners and the problem was publicized in newspapers, church newsletters and Internet sites.

Hmong groups and the Ag Department have assembled a master list, offering growers the chance to choose land that best suits their needs. Once connected, growers and landowners negotiate a rental price themselves.

A Minnesota official with the U-S-D-A says the agency has been overwhelmed by the response. He says people are willing to help if they know there's a need.

Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, http://www.twincities.com

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-02-07 1729CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list