When people picture farming in America, oftentimes the first image that comes to mind are white men in overalls in rural fields––not an Asian female. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, this stereotype might hold some accuracy: Asians make up less than one percent of farmers in America, and Asian females make up less than half of that one percent. Unfortunately, in a field with limited diversity, many Asian American female farmers like Mai Nguyen have faced racism and sexism in their lives as farmers.
Mai Nguyen, born in California to Vietnamese refugees, has always had a passion for food-related processes. They studied soils in college but wanted to physically get more involved in the food systems, so they focused their attention on the local community. Besides working on their farm to produce cultural and environmentally sustainable crops, Nguyen contributes greatly in other areas as well: they run the California Grain Campaign to educate people about healthy and sustainable grain production as well as supports inclusive, fair, sustainable, and cooperative new farmers in the National Young Farmers Coalition. Previously, they worked for the California Center for Cooperative Development to help farmers collaborate on sustainable solutions.
Because of their isolation in a white- and male-dominated field, Nguyen founded the Asian American Farmers Alliance to build a strong, like-minded community. This network of farmers forms relationships through shared knowledge and advocates for social justice and equity in the agricultural sector. Because they share similar struggles, working together creates more power and change that would not be achievable if they stood alone. For example, they helped to successfully pass the Farmer Equity Act of 2017 which strives to provide improved resources and technical assistance to socioeconomic and racially underserved farms facing prejudice.
Nguyen values not just the products of farming but also the environmental and social implications that are involved. On their website, Farmer Mai, their philosophy is highlighted as shaping a “diversified farming for a diversified California”. This overarching statement is further broken down into specific goals: “organic and holistic, drought-resistant, healthy soil, renewable energy scientific methods, and solidarity and justice”. Exploring these ideas provides a better understanding of how we transform nature, which goes far beyond the tangible commodities that only directly benefit us.
I stumbled upon an interesting podcast interview with Nguyen, and one thing that they highlight is this idea of borderlands. While borders signify division between different groups, borderlands eliminate the sharp distinction which allows for a space of mixing cultures and connections. Borderlands can be physical, but in a sense, they are more about defining one’s identity and place in the world through exploration and possibilities of growth in relationships. Another point that they emphasize is the restriction of the white-rural stereotype that is placed on the farming community. Because many tend to categorize food production in this narrow view, the identities of people of color are overshadowed and unacknowledged. This creates a dissociation with values and cultures that are more difficult to reach and limits voices that form the foundation to our survival.
Mai Nguyen’s story and unique perspective, which stands out from the “traditional” farmer’s narrative, deserves more recognition. Their noteworthy accomplishments and continued efforts are vital for diversity and social justice in food production. Overall, Nguyen is a role model for their community and embraces their Asian American identity. To learn more, check out their website https://farmermai.com/!
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