Hmong Urban Farmers Would Benefit From Urban Agriculture Ordinance
On Tuesday, March 24, Hmong Innovating Politics joined with Hmong urban farmers and a coalition of Sacramento residents to support the passage of an Urban Agriculture Ordinance that would allow residents to grow and sell produce in Sacramento City--increasing access to free produce for underserved neighborhoods and giving our Hmong urban farmers greater economic opportunities.
Here is the letter that HIP sent on behalf of Hmong Urban Farmers to Mayor Kevin Johnson and the Sacramento City Council:
Dear Mayor Johnson and Councilmembers,
On behalf of Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP), we are writing in strong support of the proposed Urban Agriculture Ordinance and urge you to vote for this important ordinance during the City Council Meeting on March 24, 2015.
HIP is a local grassroots organization and we work with underrepresented communities to help bring about social justice. The Urban Agriculture Ordinance can help achieve equity by providing our community the ability to grow and sell produce in all zones of Sacramento City, and increasing access to fresh produce in our most underserved neighborhoods.
The practice of agriculture is not new to many communities in Sacramento – the livelihood of many Hmong and other Southeast Asian families depend on agriculture. For some members of our communities, the art of farming has fostered resiliency and a sense of purpose and pride especially for our elders. However, current barriers such as zoning restrictions and limited land use hinder their ability to farm and contribute to the local economy. The Urban Agriculture Ordinance can help mitigate these barriers, revitalize low-income neighborhoods in which many Southeast Asian and underrepresented communities reside in, provide solutions to blight caused by unmaintained vacant lots and reconnect diverse communities.
Your vote in support of the Urban Agriculture Ordinance is an important step in improving neighborhoods and increasing economic opportunities in Sacramento. Most importantly, your support will move this city towards hands-on community response to food deserts. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact HIP at (916) 571-0041 or via email at hmonginnovatingpolitics@gmail.com. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sue Vang & Cha Vang
HIP Organizers
