In the final chapter of Healing Grounds, we learn about the struggles of Asian American farmers, especially the Hmong people who came to the U.S. as refugees after the Vietnam War. They faced huge challenges farming in California’s desert, a stark contrast to their mountain homeland. Despite growing diverse crops and selling at farmers’ markets, they were mistreated by officials who fined them for violations they didn’t understand, due to language barriers and lack of support. The chapter also highlights the farming techniques these groups practiced, such as composting, cover crops, and fish in rice fields, which were inspired by ancient practices from China. Unfortunately Asian farmers also faced racism, as evidenced by laws like the "Chinese Exclusion Act", which banned Chinese laborers. This chapter reminds us of the resilience of these immigrant communities and how much they’ve contributed to sustainable farming in the U.S. Despite the hardships, they continue to influence and shape agriculture today.
I really enjoyed Healing Grounds and would definitely recommend it.
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