Pakou Hang

Pakou Hang spent her childhood growing and selling fresh vegetables with her family at the Saint Paul and Minneapolis’ Farmers Markets in Minnesota. She is one of hundreds of Hmong farmers who have revitalized the farmers markets and spearheaded the local foods movement in the Twin Cities. But it wasn’t always sunshine and rose colored glasses. Hang recounts stories from her childhood about farming, farmers markets and creating a new food system that works for everyone especially immigrant and small farmers.

Pakou grew up pickling cucumbers and growing and selling vegetables at local farmers markets. She has over 20 years experience with farming and vegetable production, is a former member of the St. Paul Farmers Market Board of Directors, and participated in the 2011 The White House Project’s Plate to Politics Summit in Wisconsin. Pakou is devoted to telling the important story of Hmong farmers, unveiling issues of access, equity, and inclusion in our food infrastructure. In her work, she focuses on how to create a new food system that equalizes farmers and consumers, as well as developing a long-term strategy for land stewardship, food production, and farmers’ wealth.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXRIcFdGc1RmaENaaGtQa1IwTWlDZ1FkXy1wUXxBQ3Jtc0tsYWZNajZxZmVkWVFjcEVTc1g4NHpzZDNKZkYtSnVWY21fR1hmMFlJRkV4S2djNW1yR3NRb2FkUnc3SDFVQVB2ZENaa0FOa05RQlQyY2NaWFJRS05jLWpUMGlWX0hoc016MW5FU3Fka1ZJOE5fcUNwOA&q=http%3A%2F%2Fted.com%2Ftedx&v=AS6Vu837_F0