Spotlight on Keng Vang: Championing BIPOC Farmers in the Central Valley

Rooted in Family and Tradition

Keng Vang grew up watching his grandparents and mother cultivate backyard gardens in Fresno’s Southeast Asian community. Their small plots yielded vegetables like lemongrass and Thai chilies—enough for both home cooking and a little extra income. Even as a child helping bundle lemongrass, Keng recognized the power of agriculture to sustain families and preserve cultural identity.

“My grandparents were from Laos,” Keng recalls. “They often talked about planting rice, opium, Asian greens—whatever they needed to feed the family. They passed that farming spirit down to us.”

Those early experiences inspired Keng’s lifelong commitment to uplifting small-scale farmers—particularly those from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) backgrounds.

Founding Fresno BIPOC Produce

While working at the Asian Business Institute & Resource Center (ABIRC), Keng noticed a recurring problem: many small-scale, BIPOC farmers struggled to connect with larger institutional buyers. Without GAP certification or the administrative know-how, they found themselves locked out of potential markets like school districts and grocery chains.

“The nutrition director at Fresno Unified once told me, ‘We need a food hub that can handle all the vendor requirements on behalf of these farmers,’” Keng explains. “That conversation was a turning point.”

Keng launched Fresno BIPOC Produce to meet that gap—acting as a centralized hub that helps small farmers reach new markets, handle paperwork, and secure equitable prices for their crops. Over time, the organization has grown to support more than 90 farmers, consistently exceeding sales targets and forging partnerships across the Central Valley and beyond.

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Bridging Barriers and Building Trust

From language obstacles to strict food safety requirements, many BIPOC farmers face challenges beyond simply growing produce. Keng’s approach is hands-on, whether he’s advising farmers on grant applications, introducing them to Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) programs, or connecting them with new buyers.

“A lot of farmers just want someone they trust to navigate the paperwork and logistics,” Keng notes. “I do whatever I can to help. We’ve become almost like a family.”

Because of this personal touch—and demonstrable results—word of mouth travels quickly. Farmers who’ve successfully sold through Fresno BIPOC Produce share their stories with friends, and Keng’s network continues to expand.

Keeping Local Produce Local

Despite Fresno County’s status as an agricultural powerhouse, it also faces high levels of food insecurity. Keng sees an urgent need to keep more Central Valley produce within the community, so local residents can benefit from the fresh fruits and vegetables grown in their own backyard.

“It doesn’t make sense that we grow so much but then ship most of it out,” Keng says. “If we can build deeper local markets and educate people about where food comes from, we can boost both farmers’ incomes and community health.”

Collaborating with institutions like Los Angeles Unified School District has opened additional doors for farmers, but Keng also wants to ensure that regional outlets and nonprofits can purchase high-quality produce at fair prices. The goal, in his words, is “to keep some of our region’s incredible diversity of crops right here at home.”

F3Local: Amplifying the Mission

Much like Keng’s own work, F3Local focuses on supporting small-scale producers—particularly those from underserved communities—by nurturing economic growth, market access, and innovation. Partnering with F3Local introduced Keng to a network of like-minded organizations and funding opportunities (such as LFPA) that help BIPOC Produce continue its rapid expansion.

“Meeting people from F3 helped me connect with others who believe in this mission,” Keng says. “We share a vision for making local food systems more equitable and keeping farmers in the driver’s seat.”

Through programs that standardize food safety training, facilitate partnerships with food hubs, and streamline distribution to local and regional buyers, F3Local complements the work of BIPOC Produce—ensuring small farmers have the resources they need to prosper.

Looking Ahead: Evolving with the Times

Keng believes the future of BIPOC farming in the Central Valley hinges on adaptability. He encourages established farmers to embrace new technology—like modern equipment that reduces labor costs—and urges younger generations to step into leadership roles.

“Don’t be afraid of change,” he advises. “Big farmers evolve constantly, and if we want small farms to survive and thrive, we have to innovate, too.”

In the coming years, Keng’s goals include developing stronger branding for BIPOC Produce, recruiting more growers, and continuing to expand sales channels so farmers aren’t solely reliant on wholesale buyers. Ultimately, he hopes more produce stays local, bridging the gap between the region’s fertile fields and the families who live here.

Key Takeaways from Keng Vang

1. Start Small, Aim Big Even backyard farms can generate income and preserve cultural heritage, provided farmers have the right markets.

2. Trust Through Action. Personal relationships and proven results remain the cornerstone for building trust with BIPOC growers.

3. Overcoming Certification Barriers. GAP certification and other requirements can lock out small-scale farmers. Food hubs and collaborations can help break down those walls.

4. Keep Produce Local. Fresno BIPOC Produce aims to retain more of the Valley’s bounty within the community, addressing both food insecurity and fair pricing.

About Fresno BIPOC Produce

Founded by Keng Vang, Fresno BIPOC Produce is a food hub dedicated to uplifting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color farmers in the Central Valley. By managing vendor applications, providing technical assistance, and establishing institutional partnerships, Fresno BIPOC Produce ensures growers receive fair prices and regional communities have greater access to fresh, locally grown foods.