Hmong farmers suffer crop losses in storms
There are acres of tomatoes, beans and other produce rotting in fields south of the Twin Cities.
They were hit hard by storms last week, and a meeting today at the state Capitol will address how to help those farmers affected.
Two state legislators are urging vegetable farmers who lost their crops last week to come forward soon to be counted for possible assistance.
The storms swept through parts of Rosemount and Coates in Dakota County. Many of the growers are Hmong Americans, and their small plots were important to their family income.
State Sen. Mee Moua, DFL-St. Paul, and Rep. Dennis Ozment, R-Rosemount, held a meeting at the state Capitol Monday to discuss ways to help. Ozment says it's not yet clear what kind of aid is available.
"What is clear is that we have a process that needs to be put in play. And in order for for people to be eligible for any assistance down the road, should there be some, they need to be involved in this process," Ozment said. Senator Moua says she plans to hold a town hall meeting later this week in St. Paul. She says some of the affected growers are relatives.
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