{"id":29635,"date":"2025-12-18T10:18:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T17:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/?p=29635"},"modified":"2025-12-18T11:59:38","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T18:59:38","slug":"growing-equity-how-fresno-bipoc-produce-hub-supports-small-farmers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/index.php\/2025\/12\/18\/growing-equity-how-fresno-bipoc-produce-hub-supports-small-farmers\/","title":{"rendered":"Growing Equity: How Fresno BIPOC Produce Hub Supports Small Farmers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Family farms form the backbone of California agriculture. While more than 90% of the state\u2019s farms are considered family-owned, only around 9% of California farms are BIPOC-owned. Keng Vang established the Fresno BIPOC Produce Hub to help these underrepresented growers to survive and thrive. He explains, \u201cI started the food hub because I saw a real need – especially around marketing – for the small farms I work with. Most of the farmers are BIPOC, and many don\u2019t speak English fluently, which makes it incredibly difficult for them to access resources.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Empowering small farmers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Fresno BIPOC Produce Hub operates as an aggregator, helping small farms reach new markets and sell their produce more effectively. But what does that mean in practice? Think of the Fresno BIPOC Produce Hub as one-stop shopping for food banks, schools, restaurants and other food hubs. They market, pack and distribute produce from almost 40 small farms, streamlining the process so buyers don\u2019t have to source from each farm individually. Instead, all products are consolidated and made available through a single, centralized system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keng works alongside each farmer, building relationships and identifying the unique needs of each operation. Whether it\u2019s facilitating buyer relationships or helping to coordinate harvest timelines, the Fresno BIPOC Produce hub doesn\u2019t just move produce – it empowers small farmers with the tools, knowledge and support they need to grow sustainably and achieve their goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a better food system <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even in California, many communities are considered \u201cfood deserts\u201d, struggling with access to fresh, healthy produce. Programs like the Fresno BIPOC Produce Hub play an essential role in tackling that issue, providing much-needed fruits and vegetables to Central Valley food banks and school districts. This solution is mutually beneficial, confronting food insecurity head-on while helping small farmers find new, non-traditional markets for their goods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keepin\u2019 it Californian<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These efforts align with the Fresno BIPOC Produce Hub\u2019s core mission to strengthen local food systems and ensure California-grown produce remains within the communities that need it most. Keng explains, \u201cIt\u2019s important to support local farmers, especially here in California, because California has one of the most abundant supplies of produce. We also have probably the most Asian-grown produce in the United States. And a lot of that produce is going out\u2014it\u2019s not staying here in California, which is kind of sad. Our goal is to create more projects and more programs that help keep the produce right here. \u200b\u200b\u201d Keng\u2019s lips curve into a broad smile as he concludes, \u201cWe want to create a better food system\u2014one that provides fresh, local produce so people can live healthier lives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re interested in purchasing produce from the Fresno BIPOC Produce Hub, check out their new online marketplace<\/a>. If you\u2019re a farmer and interested in joining Fresno BIPOC Produce Hub, register online<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Article by Hilary Rance and photography by James Collier for <\/em>CA GROWN<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n