DATCP: Workshop planned in Appleton for Hmong farmers

Contact: Ashley Huibregtse, 608-224-5002, ashley.huibregtse@wisconsin.gov

Jim Dick, Communications Director, 608-224-5020, jim.dick@wi.gov

MADISON – Buying farmland can be a difficult process for anyone, and it can be even harder to understand when there is a culture or language barrier. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) encourages Hmong farmers to attend an upcoming workshop called “Buying Farmland with Peace of Mind.”

The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Hmong American Partnership, located at 2198 South Memorial Drive in Appleton. Workshop information will be offered in English and translated to Hmong.

Speakers will explain the process for buying a piece of land and discuss how to get a low-interest loan. Attendees will be directed to resources to help grow their business and learn about how to know if the price is right.

Attendees will be able to ask questions about how to identify if the farmland is right for their operation before they make the purchase. If farmers currently rent or own land and the crops did not do well last season, speakers will be able to discuss if the soil may be the problem.

Admission to the workshop is free. The workshop is sponsored by DATCP’s Wisconsin Farm Center, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

To register for the workshop, contact DATCP’s Jack Chang at 608-575-3782 or jack.chang@wisconsin.gov. You can also connect with DATCP on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/widatcp or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/widatcp.