Announcement
Hser Nay, born in Thailand, resettled in the United States when she was only ten years old. Her parents, originally from Burma, wanted a better life and educational opportunities for Hser and her four siblings in the United States. Hser is now a mother of three children and works full-time as a seamstress.
Hser Nay stands in front of farm plots tended by her and her family at the New Roots Wheadon Farm in Draper.
Photo: Lilly Hall/IRC
Last year, Hser and her family joined the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Utah’s New Roots program as budding farmers growing vegetables on local urban farmland. The New Roots program focuses on three pillars of programming, including community gardening, farm training, and food access via farmers markets. Specifically through the farm training pillar, New Roots aims to provide assistance in creating and sustaining a farm to promote connection, economic independence, and affordable and nutritious foods.
“New Roots provides easily accessible, language-appropriate access to culturally familiar food, agricultural land access, training, and savings and/or income on produce. The program collaborates with individuals and families from agrarian backgrounds to put down roots—literally—in our community,” noted Sierra Govett, New Roots program manager.
For Hser, farming is a family business. By working the land, Hser and her family have gained knowledge and new resources that have helped them work toward goals of greater financial independence—the impact will not only support her family today, but well into the future. The family has found success and enjoyment as they tend their favorite crops, including varieties of squash, peppers, eggplants, onions, basil and more. In fact, last year Hser Nays family had the most successful first year of farming—selling nearly $20,000 worth of produce—since the New Roots program began in 2010.
As Hser works full-time, her dad, Maung Aye, leads efforts on the plots of land they tend at the New Roots farm site. Beyond his days spent at the farm, Maung found that he enjoys the busy market days providing fresh vegetables, interacting with customers, and selling the produce.
Through the New Roots program, families, like Hser’s, work hard to build a more stable future for themselves while offering new sources of fresh produce to their community. Farmers learn valuable skills by participating in New Roots—from workshops on soil conditions and greenhouse production to gaining digital and customer service skills as they work to build income streams via direct sales, farmers markets, and CSA partnerships. Beyond skills and income, New Roots offers invaluable connection with the land, expanded community, and the chance to continue traditions in a new home.
Working on the farm has become a bonding experience for Hser Nay and her dad. She enjoys learning different techniques, spending time with her family, and is always surprised to see how quickly the vegetables grow. For Hser, farming motivates her forward.
Hser Nay works alongside her family to tend farm plots, planting and weeding to grow some of their favorite crops, including a variety of eggplants, peppers, squash and more.
Photo: Lilly Hall/IRC
When Hser Nay was asked what advice, she would give to others she said, “Keep going and stay strong with your family and then communicate together and keep going and going. Don’t give up.”
Want to support Hser Nays family? You can enjoy their produce at the Sunnyvale Farmers Market on Saturdays and the New Roots Farmers Markets on Wednesdays through October. Plan your visit to the next New Roots Farmers Market »
You can help ensure New Roots continues to be a resource for refugee families into the future by making a contribution today to support critical infrastructure projects and programming today. Support New Roots in Utah today »