WEBVTT 00:00:00.260 --> 00:00:01.093 align:middle line:84% - [Host] Welcome and thank you 00:00:01.093 --> 00:00:02.650 align:middle line:84% for joining today's conference, 00:00:02.650 --> 00:00:04.660 align:middle line:84% Asian American Pacific Islanders 00:00:04.660 --> 00:00:07.130 align:middle line:84% Special Emphasis Program Observance. 00:00:07.130 --> 00:00:09.760 align:middle line:90% Before we begin please ensure you've opened the chat panel 00:00:09.760 --> 00:00:11.470 align:middle line:84% by using the associated icon 00:00:11.470 --> 00:00:13.440 align:middle line:84% located at the bottom of your screen. 00:00:13.440 --> 00:00:15.260 align:middle line:84% If you require any technical assistance 00:00:15.260 --> 00:00:17.900 align:middle line:84% please send a chat to the event producer. 00:00:17.900 --> 00:00:20.710 align:middle line:90% To submit a written question, select all panelists 00:00:20.710 --> 00:00:22.820 align:middle line:84% from the drop-down menu in the chat panel 00:00:22.820 --> 00:00:26.160 align:middle line:90% enter your question in the message box provided and send. 00:00:26.160 --> 00:00:27.710 align:middle line:84% All audio lines have been muted 00:00:27.710 --> 00:00:29.840 align:middle line:84% until the Q & A portion of the call. 00:00:29.840 --> 00:00:31.130 align:middle line:84% We'll give you instructions 00:00:31.130 --> 00:00:33.840 align:middle line:84% on how to ask the question at that time. 00:00:33.840 --> 00:00:36.000 align:middle line:90% With that I'll turn the call over to Terri Nintemann 00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:40.260 align:middle line:84% deputy administrator for FSIS. 00:00:40.260 --> 00:00:41.640 align:middle line:84% - Thank you. 00:00:41.640 --> 00:00:44.290 align:middle line:84% I'm please to welcome you to today's event 00:00:44.290 --> 00:00:47.060 align:middle line:90% in honor of Asian-American and Native Hawaiian 00:00:47.060 --> 00:00:49.990 align:middle line:84% Pacific Islander heritage month. 00:00:49.990 --> 00:00:51.230 align:middle line:84% During the month of May 00:00:51.230 --> 00:00:53.560 align:middle line:84% we celebrate the enduring contributions 00:00:53.560 --> 00:00:57.300 align:middle line:90% of Asian-American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders 00:00:57.300 --> 00:01:01.050 align:middle line:84% or AANHPI to our country. 00:01:01.050 --> 00:01:06.640 align:middle line:90% This month was chosen as recognition of May 7th, 1843. 00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:09.160 align:middle line:90% The date the first known Japanese immigrants 00:01:09.160 --> 00:01:11.664 align:middle line:84% arrived in the United States 00:01:11.664 --> 00:01:14.050 align:middle line:84% and it was also chosen in recognition 00:01:14.050 --> 00:01:16.840 align:middle line:84% of May 10, 1869. 00:01:16.840 --> 00:01:18.630 align:middle line:84% The dates that marked the completion 00:01:18.630 --> 00:01:21.000 align:middle line:84% of the Trans Continental Railroad 00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:22.590 align:middle line:84% which would not have been possible 00:01:22.590 --> 00:01:24.740 align:middle line:84% without the thousands of Chinese Americans 00:01:24.740 --> 00:01:26.970 align:middle line:84% who laid tracks. 00:01:26.970 --> 00:01:30.060 align:middle line:84% Generations of AANHPI 00:01:30.060 --> 00:01:33.270 align:middle line:90% have helped develop and defend the United States. 00:01:33.270 --> 00:01:37.820 align:middle line:90% often in the face of racial and cultural prejudice. 00:01:37.820 --> 00:01:39.871 align:middle line:84% While we celebrate this month 00:01:39.871 --> 00:01:43.710 align:middle line:90% we also celebrate far too many Asian Americans 00:01:43.710 --> 00:01:46.110 align:middle line:84% and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders 00:01:46.110 --> 00:01:50.120 align:middle line:90% have woken up each morning, increasingly fearful 00:01:50.120 --> 00:01:53.230 align:middle line:90% for their safety and the safety of their loved ones 00:01:53.230 --> 00:01:57.090 align:middle line:90% as acts of anti-Asian bias and violence have accelerated 00:01:57.090 --> 00:01:58.810 align:middle line:84% from coast to coast. 00:01:58.810 --> 00:02:00.610 align:middle line:84% Even as so many Asian Americans 00:02:00.610 --> 00:02:04.350 align:middle line:84% serve their communities and our nation. 00:02:04.350 --> 00:02:07.610 align:middle line:90% At FSIS we are fortunate that several hundred 00:02:07.610 --> 00:02:11.090 align:middle line:90% Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders 00:02:11.090 --> 00:02:13.890 align:middle line:84% have chosen careers with the agency. 00:02:13.890 --> 00:02:17.610 align:middle line:90% They contribute to the SSIS public health mission every day 00:02:17.610 --> 00:02:21.150 align:middle line:90% as food inspectors, consumer safety inspectors, 00:02:21.150 --> 00:02:25.670 align:middle line:90% public health veterinarian, scientists and senior leaders. 00:02:25.670 --> 00:02:31.430 align:middle line:90% Asian Americans make up 4.5% of FSIS employees 00:02:31.430 --> 00:02:36.880 align:middle line:90% and over 7% of senior leadership positions at FSIS. 00:02:36.880 --> 00:02:39.690 align:middle line:90% Secretary Bill Sack has repeatedly emphasized 00:02:39.690 --> 00:02:42.170 align:middle line:84% his commitment to ensuring equity 00:02:42.170 --> 00:02:45.300 align:middle line:84% and opportunity for the AANHPI 00:02:45.300 --> 00:02:47.400 align:middle line:84% community at USDA 00:02:47.400 --> 00:02:50.060 align:middle line:84% and throughout the United States. 00:02:50.060 --> 00:02:54.470 align:middle line:90% The theme for this year's AANHPI heritage month 00:02:54.470 --> 00:02:57.120 align:middle line:84% is Using Our Voices. 00:02:57.120 --> 00:02:58.680 align:middle line:84% In the spirit of that theme 00:02:58.680 --> 00:03:01.310 align:middle line:84% today's observance will feature a voice 00:03:01.310 --> 00:03:05.460 align:middle line:84% from our own AANHPI community at USDA. 00:03:05.460 --> 00:03:07.220 align:middle line:84% Dr. Simon Liu. 00:03:07.220 --> 00:03:10.690 align:middle line:84% Dr. Liu has been with USDA for 11 years 00:03:10.690 --> 00:03:13.730 align:middle line:90% and is currently serving as acting administrator 00:03:13.730 --> 00:03:17.005 align:middle line:84% for the agricultural research service. 00:03:17.005 --> 00:03:18.800 align:middle line:84% For the past six years 00:03:18.800 --> 00:03:21.830 align:middle line:90% Dr. Liu has served as associate administrator 00:03:21.830 --> 00:03:25.040 align:middle line:84% for research, management and operation. 00:03:25.040 --> 00:03:27.540 align:middle line:84% He has also served in leadership positions 00:03:27.540 --> 00:03:31.230 align:middle line:90% as director of the National Agricultural Library 00:03:31.230 --> 00:03:32.690 align:middle line:84% and associate director 00:03:32.690 --> 00:03:35.880 align:middle line:84% of the National Library of Medicine. 00:03:35.880 --> 00:03:39.210 align:middle line:90% Dr. Liu attended university in his native Taiwan 00:03:39.210 --> 00:03:42.660 align:middle line:90% and pursued graduate studies in the United States. 00:03:42.660 --> 00:03:45.911 align:middle line:90% He earned master's degree in computer science, 00:03:45.911 --> 00:03:49.120 align:middle line:84% business administration, and government 00:03:49.120 --> 00:03:51.070 align:middle line:84% from Indiana University, 00:03:51.070 --> 00:03:52.610 align:middle line:84% the University of Maryland 00:03:52.610 --> 00:03:55.090 align:middle line:84% and Johns Hopkins University. 00:03:55.090 --> 00:03:56.900 align:middle line:84% He earned two doctoral degrees 00:03:56.900 --> 00:03:59.030 align:middle line:84% in higher education administration 00:03:59.030 --> 00:04:00.670 align:middle line:84% and computer science 00:04:00.670 --> 00:04:03.590 align:middle line:84% from George Washington University. 00:04:03.590 --> 00:04:07.660 align:middle line:90% Dr. Liu active in professional societies and associations 00:04:07.660 --> 00:04:09.480 align:middle line:84% and has served as the editor in chief 00:04:09.480 --> 00:04:12.060 align:middle line:84% of an information technology magazine 00:04:12.060 --> 00:04:13.800 align:middle line:84% and editor of four journals 00:04:13.800 --> 00:04:15.800 align:middle line:84% in the past 20 years. 00:04:15.800 --> 00:04:17.290 align:middle line:84% He has published a book 00:04:17.290 --> 00:04:19.500 align:middle line:84% and more than 80 book chapters, 00:04:19.500 --> 00:04:22.630 align:middle line:84% journal articles and conference papers. 00:04:22.630 --> 00:04:24.860 align:middle line:84% Today we're fortunate that Dr. Liu 00:04:24.860 --> 00:04:26.350 align:middle line:84% will be speaking on the topic 00:04:26.350 --> 00:04:29.710 align:middle line:90% of advancing leaders through purpose driven science. 00:04:29.710 --> 00:04:33.230 align:middle line:90% With that, I'm pleased to turn the program over to Dr. Liu 00:04:33.230 --> 00:04:34.890 align:middle line:84% for his comments and remarks. 00:04:34.890 --> 00:04:37.130 align:middle line:84% Dr Liu? 00:04:37.130 --> 00:04:39.199 align:middle line:84% - Right. Thank you very much, Terri 00:04:39.199 --> 00:04:40.995 align:middle line:84% for your kind introduction. 00:04:40.995 --> 00:04:42.530 align:middle line:84% Good often afternoon. 00:04:42.530 --> 00:04:44.450 align:middle line:84% I'm very pleased to be here today 00:04:44.450 --> 00:04:47.580 align:middle line:84% to welcome and thank you. 00:04:47.580 --> 00:04:51.260 align:middle line:84% For all of you here to the 2021 FSIS 00:04:51.260 --> 00:04:55.811 align:middle line:90% Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander 00:04:55.811 --> 00:04:58.860 align:middle line:84% heritage month observance. 00:04:58.860 --> 00:05:02.760 align:middle line:84% So every May, since 1978 00:05:02.760 --> 00:05:05.490 align:middle line:84% we welcome this opportunity 00:05:05.490 --> 00:05:07.720 align:middle line:84% to recognize and celebrate 00:05:07.720 --> 00:05:12.530 align:middle line:90% the diversity, leadership and enduring cultural contribution 00:05:12.530 --> 00:05:14.560 align:middle line:84% of all Asian Americans, 00:05:14.560 --> 00:05:19.080 align:middle line:84% Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. 00:05:19.080 --> 00:05:23.207 align:middle line:90% This year's theme Using Our Voices is timely. 00:05:23.207 --> 00:05:26.150 align:middle line:84% And important as it encourage us 00:05:26.150 --> 00:05:28.970 align:middle line:84% to come together and continue the work 00:05:28.970 --> 00:05:33.840 align:middle line:84% of fostering equity and inclusiveness 00:05:33.840 --> 00:05:37.290 align:middle line:84% for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian 00:05:37.290 --> 00:05:40.060 align:middle line:84% and Pacific Islander community. 00:05:40.060 --> 00:05:42.100 align:middle line:84% And not only the USDA, 00:05:42.100 --> 00:05:45.790 align:middle line:84% but also across the United States. 00:05:45.790 --> 00:05:48.260 align:middle line:84% As a member of this community 00:05:48.260 --> 00:05:54.210 align:middle line:90% it is really an honor for me to be here with you today. 00:05:54.210 --> 00:05:56.520 align:middle line:84% As most of you know that the history of 00:05:56.520 --> 00:05:59.840 align:middle line:84% Asian American, Native Hawaiian 00:05:59.840 --> 00:06:02.330 align:middle line:84% and Pacific Islander community 00:06:02.330 --> 00:06:06.840 align:middle line:84% in America goes back more than a century. 00:06:06.840 --> 00:06:09.370 align:middle line:84% Indeed, just like Terri you say 00:06:09.370 --> 00:06:13.860 align:middle line:90% May was chosen for this annual observation to recognize 00:06:13.860 --> 00:06:16.400 align:middle line:84% very important two days, 00:06:16.400 --> 00:06:19.750 align:middle line:84% the may seven of 1843. 00:06:19.750 --> 00:06:24.090 align:middle line:90% The date the first Japanese immigrant arrived in the US 00:06:24.090 --> 00:06:27.020 align:middle line:84% and the May 10th of 1969, 00:06:27.020 --> 00:06:28.310 align:middle line:84% which marked the completion 00:06:28.310 --> 00:06:31.430 align:middle line:84% of the Transcontinental Railroad. 00:06:31.430 --> 00:06:34.170 align:middle line:84% Really a huge, huge accomplishment 00:06:34.170 --> 00:06:36.070 align:middle line:84% that would not be possible 00:06:36.070 --> 00:06:42.210 align:middle line:90% without the contribution of thousands of Chinese American. 00:06:42.210 --> 00:06:46.210 align:middle line:90% Since then the generation of Asian Americans, 00:06:46.210 --> 00:06:49.520 align:middle line:84% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders 00:06:49.520 --> 00:06:52.000 align:middle line:84% have played a vital role 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:55.370 align:middle line:84% in influencing our nation's cultural life, 00:06:55.370 --> 00:06:58.250 align:middle line:84% safeguarding our democracy 00:06:58.250 --> 00:07:02.446 align:middle line:84% and strengthening our institution. 00:07:02.446 --> 00:07:07.380 align:middle line:84% Today more than 23 million people 00:07:07.380 --> 00:07:13.540 align:middle line:90% from over 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia, 00:07:13.540 --> 00:07:15.350 align:middle line:84% the Indian sub-continent 00:07:15.350 --> 00:07:20.800 align:middle line:90% and the Pacific islands call America homes. 00:07:20.800 --> 00:07:24.090 align:middle line:84% And it's by in conquering 00:07:24.090 --> 00:07:27.340 align:middle line:84% racial inequity and discrimination, 00:07:27.340 --> 00:07:30.700 align:middle line:84% even up to the present day. 00:07:30.700 --> 00:07:33.890 align:middle line:84% Those men and women have persevere 00:07:33.890 --> 00:07:36.140 align:middle line:84% to build up better life 00:07:36.140 --> 00:07:39.980 align:middle line:90% for your children and become full participants 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:44.415 align:middle line:84% in civic life of this country. 00:07:44.415 --> 00:07:46.320 align:middle line:84% And our cultural space 00:07:46.320 --> 00:07:49.797 align:middle line:90% the contribution of Asian American, Native Hawaiian 00:07:49.797 --> 00:07:52.390 align:middle line:84% and Pacific Islander community 00:07:52.390 --> 00:07:56.760 align:middle line:84% have been significant and persistent. 00:07:56.760 --> 00:08:00.110 align:middle line:84% During the second half of the 19th century 00:08:00.110 --> 00:08:01.590 align:middle line:84% Asian immigrants brought 00:08:01.590 --> 00:08:05.610 align:middle line:84% their deep, deep agricultural knowledge 00:08:05.610 --> 00:08:10.210 align:middle line:84% and innovative irrigation methods 00:08:10.210 --> 00:08:12.760 align:middle line:84% and the strength of their experience. 00:08:12.760 --> 00:08:17.000 align:middle line:90% They transform California and Sacramento river delta 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:24.380 align:middle line:90% into one of America's most productive agricultural regions. 00:08:24.380 --> 00:08:29.700 align:middle line:84% In the later decades Chinese, Filipino, 00:08:29.700 --> 00:08:33.470 align:middle line:84% Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, 00:08:33.470 --> 00:08:36.650 align:middle line:84% Cambodians, Taiwanese, Indian 00:08:36.650 --> 00:08:38.690 align:middle line:84% and many other Asian community 00:08:38.690 --> 00:08:42.050 align:middle line:84% have enjoyed success and distinctions 00:08:42.050 --> 00:08:46.870 align:middle line:90% as agricultural producer in the United States. 00:08:46.870 --> 00:08:49.950 align:middle line:90% For instance, the Bing Cherry was developed 00:08:49.950 --> 00:08:54.650 align:middle line:84% by an Asian American agriculture worker 00:08:54.650 --> 00:08:56.560 align:middle line:84% and the gingers and sugar cane 00:08:56.560 --> 00:08:59.670 align:middle line:90% was introduced to the American produce market 00:08:59.670 --> 00:09:02.530 align:middle line:84% by Asian Americans. 00:09:02.530 --> 00:09:05.140 align:middle line:84% At the same time however 00:09:05.140 --> 00:09:06.080 align:middle line:84% public recognition 00:09:06.080 --> 00:09:10.400 align:middle line:90% of how fundamentally important Asian Americans, 00:09:10.400 --> 00:09:13.780 align:middle line:84% Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders 00:09:13.780 --> 00:09:17.190 align:middle line:84% have been to agriculture 00:09:17.190 --> 00:09:19.690 align:middle line:84% have been understated. 00:09:19.690 --> 00:09:23.120 align:middle line:84% I believe we can, and we shall do more 00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:29.360 align:middle line:90% to honor their extraordinary contributions. 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:31.820 align:middle line:84% Among the many in our community 00:09:31.820 --> 00:09:35.320 align:middle line:90% who have made a mark on American agriculture 00:09:35.320 --> 00:09:37.910 align:middle line:90% are prominent scientists (clears throat) 00:09:37.910 --> 00:09:40.860 align:middle line:84% within USDA to date. 00:09:40.860 --> 00:09:44.894 align:middle line:84% For instance, Dr Hyun Lillehoj. 00:09:44.894 --> 00:09:51.194 align:middle line:84% She is a 2014 ARS Hall of Fame inductee 00:09:51.194 --> 00:09:55.454 align:middle line:84% and she is a research molecular biologist 00:09:55.454 --> 00:09:58.570 align:middle line:84% at the AIS Animal Bioscience 00:09:58.570 --> 00:10:02.660 align:middle line:90% and Biotechnology Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. 00:10:02.660 --> 00:10:07.950 align:middle line:90% She is a leader in the field of avian immunology. 00:10:07.950 --> 00:10:11.470 align:middle line:90% Dr Lillehoj research immunological response 00:10:11.470 --> 00:10:14.513 align:middle line:84% in poultry through pathogens 00:10:14.513 --> 00:10:20.900 align:middle line:90% and develop other alternative to antibiotics. 00:10:20.900 --> 00:10:25.410 align:middle line:84% So she integrate nutrition, health 00:10:25.410 --> 00:10:29.340 align:middle line:90% and disease research to protect commercial chickens 00:10:29.340 --> 00:10:32.890 align:middle line:84% from avian diseases. 00:10:32.890 --> 00:10:35.190 align:middle line:84% Another example. 00:10:35.190 --> 00:10:39.790 align:middle line:84% Dr (indistinct) 00:10:39.790 --> 00:10:41.665 align:middle line:84% She works with her colleagues 00:10:41.665 --> 00:10:45.311 align:middle line:84% at the Western Regional Research Center 00:10:45.311 --> 00:10:46.623 align:middle line:84% in Albany, California. 00:10:46.623 --> 00:10:50.337 align:middle line:84% They've developed a method for analyzing 00:10:50.337 --> 00:10:52.740 align:middle line:84% (indistinct) 00:10:52.740 --> 00:10:58.220 align:middle line:84% it's called a static test based analysis. 00:10:58.220 --> 00:11:02.499 align:middle line:84% So this method has been used and adopted 00:11:02.499 --> 00:11:04.879 align:middle line:84% as a standard in the food industry 00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:09.995 align:middle line:84% for detection of acidity and of flavors. 00:11:09.995 --> 00:11:15.235 align:middle line:84% Another example, Dr Tar (indistinct) 00:11:15.235 --> 00:11:19.377 align:middle line:84% A USDA claims (indistinct). 00:11:19.377 --> 00:11:23.170 align:middle line:90% Pioneered the work in the popular (indistinct) 00:11:23.170 --> 00:11:26.393 align:middle line:90% (indistinct) which led to the crossbreeding 00:11:26.393 --> 00:11:30.920 align:middle line:90% and introduction of several hybrid (indistinct) 00:11:30.920 --> 00:11:37.550 align:middle line:90% with a market volume of over $80 million on an annual basis. 00:11:37.550 --> 00:11:42.420 align:middle line:90% Each of those Asian American agricultural scientists. 00:11:42.420 --> 00:11:46.890 align:middle line:90% They work hard to expand upon key agricultural knowledge. 00:11:46.890 --> 00:11:49.170 align:middle line:84% And each of them has a story 00:11:49.170 --> 00:11:54.220 align:middle line:84% of how they come to be here in America 00:11:54.220 --> 00:11:57.740 align:middle line:84% including myself. 00:11:57.740 --> 00:12:02.260 align:middle line:84% So for me, growing up as an immigrant 00:12:02.260 --> 00:12:06.580 align:middle line:84% from a Taiwanese farming family 00:12:06.580 --> 00:12:09.210 align:middle line:84% is still (indistinct) but applying 00:12:09.210 --> 00:12:12.620 align:middle line:84% in my agricultural heritage. 00:12:12.620 --> 00:12:15.930 align:middle line:84% my parents are real farmers. 00:12:15.930 --> 00:12:21.467 align:middle line:90% I was a farmer also before I came to the United States. 00:12:21.467 --> 00:12:24.700 align:middle line:84% After finishing my bachelor degree 00:12:24.700 --> 00:12:27.200 align:middle line:84% I returned to my hometown. 00:12:27.200 --> 00:12:31.830 align:middle line:84% As a full time high school teacher. 00:12:31.830 --> 00:12:34.460 align:middle line:84% And I farmed with my brother 00:12:34.460 --> 00:12:38.700 align:middle line:84% at my second full-time job. 00:12:38.700 --> 00:12:41.616 align:middle line:84% When I was a young kid, 00:12:41.616 --> 00:12:43.700 align:middle line:84% I always complained to my father 00:12:43.700 --> 00:12:47.717 align:middle line:84% that I didn't have enough time to study. 00:12:47.717 --> 00:12:49.820 align:middle line:84% (clears throat) 00:12:49.820 --> 00:12:51.700 align:middle line:84% At a age of eight 00:12:51.700 --> 00:12:55.990 align:middle line:84% I was in the fields pulling wheat. 00:12:55.990 --> 00:12:58.530 align:middle line:84% When I went to middle school 00:12:58.530 --> 00:13:02.000 align:middle line:84% I work on the farm before school 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:07.200 align:middle line:84% and after school and it get dark. 00:13:07.200 --> 00:13:10.500 align:middle line:84% We did not have 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:13.687 align:middle line:84% electricity in our house. 00:13:13.687 --> 00:13:18.220 align:middle line:90% And all we had was the mosquito everywhere. 00:13:18.220 --> 00:13:20.620 align:middle line:84% It was hard sometime 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:23.250 align:middle line:84% but I always felt that 00:13:23.250 --> 00:13:26.410 align:middle line:84% well, school was my second job. 00:13:26.410 --> 00:13:30.580 align:middle line:84% Farming was my first job. 00:13:30.580 --> 00:13:32.420 align:middle line:84% Looking back 00:13:32.420 --> 00:13:35.900 align:middle line:90% even though my father was determined to help me 00:13:35.900 --> 00:13:39.870 align:middle line:84% pursuing other options beyond agriculture, 00:13:39.870 --> 00:13:41.350 align:middle line:84% beyond farming, 00:13:41.350 --> 00:13:44.030 align:middle line:84% I knew that I would someday 00:13:44.030 --> 00:13:47.460 align:middle line:84% want to get back to agriculture 00:13:47.460 --> 00:13:50.600 align:middle line:84% for everything it give to me. 00:13:50.600 --> 00:13:55.050 align:middle line:84% As a kid, yes, farming was difficult. 00:13:55.050 --> 00:13:59.123 align:middle line:84% But now I see the discipline of farming 00:13:59.123 --> 00:14:01.672 align:middle line:84% set me on the right path. 00:14:01.672 --> 00:14:04.009 align:middle line:84% (clears throat) 00:14:04.009 --> 00:14:08.920 align:middle line:84% Agriculture has been part of who I am. 00:14:08.920 --> 00:14:11.900 align:middle line:84% It remained near and dear to me, 00:14:11.900 --> 00:14:15.151 align:middle line:84% that is why I decided to come back to it. 00:14:15.151 --> 00:14:18.497 align:middle line:84% After working in the private sector 00:14:18.497 --> 00:14:24.570 align:middle line:90% and in five other federal government agencies 00:14:24.570 --> 00:14:27.260 align:middle line:84% at this point in my life 00:14:27.260 --> 00:14:32.150 align:middle line:90% I have to do something that is meaningful to me. 00:14:32.150 --> 00:14:35.360 align:middle line:84% Given my experience at the farm 00:14:35.360 --> 00:14:37.270 align:middle line:84% I want to change the perception 00:14:37.270 --> 00:14:41.310 align:middle line:84% of agriculture in this country. 00:14:41.310 --> 00:14:46.050 align:middle line:84% Many people see agriculture as labor 00:14:46.050 --> 00:14:50.440 align:middle line:84% and do not see the science, the research 00:14:50.440 --> 00:14:54.614 align:middle line:90% and the technological innovation behind it. 00:14:54.614 --> 00:14:57.420 align:middle line:84% And it is a very important to me 00:14:57.420 --> 00:15:00.253 align:middle line:84% to make the science available to people 00:15:00.253 --> 00:15:02.890 align:middle line:84% and have them apply it. 00:15:02.890 --> 00:15:05.810 align:middle line:84% If I can achieve that 00:15:05.810 --> 00:15:11.300 align:middle line:84% I will have answer the call of my soul. 00:15:11.300 --> 00:15:15.010 align:middle line:84% I always suggest that what I know, 00:15:15.010 --> 00:15:20.110 align:middle line:90% what I experienced and what is it meaningful to me 00:15:20.110 --> 00:15:24.040 align:middle line:84% as a Taiwanese American immigrant. 00:15:24.040 --> 00:15:29.893 align:middle line:84% Those are the gift of diversity. 00:15:29.893 --> 00:15:32.760 align:middle line:84% Back in 1997, 00:15:32.760 --> 00:15:34.620 align:middle line:84% when former Congressman 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:39.150 align:middle line:84% and Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta 00:15:39.150 --> 00:15:42.160 align:middle line:90% he co-sponsored the bill that established May 00:15:42.160 --> 00:15:45.460 align:middle line:84% as an Asian Pacific heritage month. 00:15:45.460 --> 00:15:49.273 align:middle line:84% He uttered those memorable word. 00:15:49.273 --> 00:15:52.340 align:middle line:84% This is what he said. 00:15:52.340 --> 00:15:54.880 align:middle line:90% He said, "I don't believe that this country 00:15:54.880 --> 00:15:58.230 align:middle line:84% could be a melting pot, 00:15:58.230 --> 00:16:00.960 align:middle line:84% because in a melting pot 00:16:00.960 --> 00:16:04.330 align:middle line:90% all the ingredients are put into a crucible 00:16:04.330 --> 00:16:11.338 align:middle line:90% and stir up and everything lose its own identity." 00:16:11.338 --> 00:16:12.171 align:middle line:84% And then he say, 00:16:12.171 --> 00:16:16.590 align:middle line:90% "I think of the United States as a tapestry, 00:16:16.590 --> 00:16:21.330 align:middle line:84% with each fiber represent a country 00:16:21.330 --> 00:16:25.702 align:middle line:84% or an ethnicity 00:16:25.702 --> 00:16:27.420 align:middle line:84% and each of those fibers 00:16:27.420 --> 00:16:31.810 align:middle line:84% is strong and beautiful on it's own. 00:16:31.810 --> 00:16:34.140 align:middle line:84% Representing language, 00:16:34.140 --> 00:16:37.300 align:middle line:84% art and culture of the region, 00:16:37.300 --> 00:16:43.130 align:middle line:90% all of the regions of our forebears, our ancestors. 00:16:43.130 --> 00:16:46.780 align:middle line:84% Well, no matter where they're coming from, 00:16:46.780 --> 00:16:52.097 align:middle line:90% When the fibers are all interwoven together 00:16:52.097 --> 00:16:55.795 align:middle line:84% it makes for a strong whole. 00:16:55.795 --> 00:16:58.923 align:middle line:84% That to me is the United states". 00:16:58.923 --> 00:17:03.020 align:middle line:90% That's why Asian Pacific American heritage month 00:17:03.020 --> 00:17:06.170 align:middle line:84% is so important. 00:17:06.170 --> 00:17:10.210 align:middle line:84% So the story of American immigrant path 00:17:10.210 --> 00:17:12.560 align:middle line:84% is truly remarkable 00:17:12.560 --> 00:17:17.490 align:middle line:90% but sometime it's easy to overlook the sacrifice 00:17:17.490 --> 00:17:21.520 align:middle line:84% made by so many to affirm the values 00:17:21.520 --> 00:17:25.944 align:middle line:84% that make the American story so unique. 00:17:25.944 --> 00:17:27.798 align:middle line:84% One of the most important things 00:17:27.798 --> 00:17:30.600 align:middle line:84% of those values is tolerance. 00:17:30.600 --> 00:17:33.668 align:middle line:84% So you evolve into the welcoming mosaic 00:17:33.668 --> 00:17:40.120 align:middle line:90% America has become over more than two centuries. 00:17:40.120 --> 00:17:43.380 align:middle line:84% Tolerance has to survive. 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:45.840 align:middle line:84% People have to come here, 00:17:45.840 --> 00:17:48.392 align:middle line:84% feel welcome and be assured 00:17:48.392 --> 00:17:51.020 align:middle line:84% that they brought with them, 00:17:51.020 --> 00:17:54.394 align:middle line:84% their wisdoms, their life ways, 00:17:54.394 --> 00:17:59.120 align:middle line:84% their world views will be respected. 00:17:59.120 --> 00:18:02.310 align:middle line:84% Sometimes they were, 00:18:02.310 --> 00:18:05.330 align:middle line:84% sometimes they weren't. 00:18:05.330 --> 00:18:11.944 align:middle line:90% Today even that tolerance in this country is being tested. 00:18:11.944 --> 00:18:16.500 align:middle line:90% We live at a time when diversity is the norm. 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:22.140 align:middle line:90% A time when multi-culturalism is broadly embraced. 00:18:22.140 --> 00:18:25.980 align:middle line:84% A time when openness to other perspective 00:18:25.980 --> 00:18:30.550 align:middle line:84% and a way of knowing is routine. 00:18:30.550 --> 00:18:33.770 align:middle line:84% Now more than ever 00:18:33.770 --> 00:18:39.757 align:middle line:90% we are called on to build cultural competency. 00:18:39.757 --> 00:18:43.292 align:middle line:84% Our responsibility is to recognize that. 00:18:43.292 --> 00:18:49.030 align:middle line:90% There's never only one right way to approach things. 00:18:49.030 --> 00:18:51.420 align:middle line:84% Culture is an unlimited sources 00:18:51.420 --> 00:18:55.500 align:middle line:84% of knowledge and creativity. 00:18:55.500 --> 00:18:58.090 align:middle line:84% If we encounter the world with, 00:18:58.090 --> 00:19:02.800 align:middle line:90% or we see the world with our eyes wide open 00:19:02.800 --> 00:19:09.920 align:middle line:90% there's much more we can learn from other cultures. 00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:13.980 align:middle line:84% Diversity enables us to venture 00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:17.440 align:middle line:84% beyond the boundary of our own knowledge. 00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:22.210 align:middle line:84% If we do, the possibility to grow 00:19:22.210 --> 00:19:28.420 align:middle line:90% as a citizen and as a society are never ending. 00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:33.351 align:middle line:84% America is and always has been 00:19:33.351 --> 00:19:37.000 align:middle line:84% a multi-cultural nation. 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:40.159 align:middle line:84% This will make us strong. 00:19:40.159 --> 00:19:42.900 align:middle line:84% Indeed, the pathway to success 00:19:42.900 --> 00:19:45.260 align:middle line:84% in this new mainstream encourage us 00:19:45.260 --> 00:19:50.220 align:middle line:90% to appreciate each and every strength of fiber 00:19:50.220 --> 00:19:54.237 align:middle line:84% in Congressman or secretary Mineta's 00:19:54.237 --> 00:20:00.290 align:middle line:84% idea in terms of America tapestry. 00:20:00.290 --> 00:20:06.260 align:middle line:90% I think USDA commitment to diversity is real 00:20:06.260 --> 00:20:08.500 align:middle line:84% and will pass. 00:20:08.500 --> 00:20:13.260 align:middle line:84% In other words, we walk the talk. 00:20:13.260 --> 00:20:17.581 align:middle line:84% Everything we do recognize and celebrate 00:20:17.581 --> 00:20:19.340 align:middle line:84% the talents and the knowledge 00:20:19.340 --> 00:20:22.180 align:middle line:84% that come from all community. 00:20:22.180 --> 00:20:27.540 align:middle line:84% It's aiming at affirming our founding body 00:20:27.540 --> 00:20:31.736 align:middle line:84% and burnishing the American tapestry. 00:20:31.736 --> 00:20:35.350 align:middle line:84% This is why working at USDA 00:20:35.350 --> 00:20:38.990 align:middle line:84% is the nature of comfortable fit for me. 00:20:38.990 --> 00:20:44.890 align:middle line:90% Every day, I can use my voice and my heritage 00:20:44.890 --> 00:20:48.840 align:middle line:84% to inform our work on elevating 00:20:48.840 --> 00:20:51.590 align:middle line:84% American agriculture. 00:20:51.590 --> 00:20:55.279 align:middle line:84% In over 30 years 00:20:55.279 --> 00:20:58.451 align:middle line:84% in my career in the United States 00:20:58.451 --> 00:21:00.480 align:middle line:84% (clears throat) 00:21:00.480 --> 00:21:05.390 align:middle line:84% I have worked very hard to break, to break 00:21:05.390 --> 00:21:10.180 align:middle line:90% potential glass ceilings for Asian Americans. 00:21:10.180 --> 00:21:14.250 align:middle line:84% And I always felt that my contribution 00:21:14.250 --> 00:21:19.980 align:middle line:84% were recognized and respected 00:21:19.980 --> 00:21:26.230 align:middle line:90% Diversity is hardwired into our organizational culture. 00:21:26.230 --> 00:21:29.591 align:middle line:84% It unify us behind the mission 00:21:29.591 --> 00:21:31.700 align:middle line:84% that we all care about. 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:34.440 align:middle line:84% The mission that inspired each of us 00:21:34.440 --> 00:21:37.791 align:middle line:84% to give our personal best everyday. 00:21:37.791 --> 00:21:40.490 align:middle line:84% When that number of diverse people 00:21:40.490 --> 00:21:42.763 align:middle line:84% speak with one voice 00:21:42.763 --> 00:21:45.980 align:middle line:84% good things can happen. 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:50.320 align:middle line:84% So as USDA moves forward 00:21:50.320 --> 00:21:55.440 align:middle line:90% we must continue to build equitable systems. 00:21:55.440 --> 00:22:00.020 align:middle line:84% We must demonstrate openness, empathy 00:22:00.020 --> 00:22:04.900 align:middle line:90% and a commitment to learn about many cultures 00:22:04.900 --> 00:22:06.990 align:middle line:84% experience and backgrounds 00:22:06.990 --> 00:22:10.220 align:middle line:84% that represent at USDA. 00:22:10.220 --> 00:22:12.520 align:middle line:84% And we must work together 00:22:12.520 --> 00:22:16.890 align:middle line:84% to forge a stronger, more resilient 00:22:16.890 --> 00:22:22.691 align:middle line:84% and more versatile agriculture community. 00:22:22.691 --> 00:22:25.850 align:middle line:84% With each passing year 00:22:25.850 --> 00:22:30.240 align:middle line:84% my sense of pride of my Asian heritage 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:33.663 align:middle line:84% grow more and more profound 00:22:33.663 --> 00:22:37.049 align:middle line:84% and this is due to no small part, 00:22:37.049 --> 00:22:38.780 align:middle line:84% to having the privilege 00:22:38.780 --> 00:22:42.780 align:middle line:84% of serving the public good here at USDA 00:22:42.780 --> 00:22:47.030 align:middle line:84% in a warm and welcoming work place 00:22:47.030 --> 00:22:52.000 align:middle line:84% where diversity is celebrated. 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:56.970 align:middle line:90% My hope is that more young Asian Americans, 00:22:56.970 --> 00:23:00.810 align:middle line:84% Naive Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders 00:23:00.810 --> 00:23:06.136 align:middle line:90% will be drawn to the career in agriculture. 00:23:06.136 --> 00:23:10.010 align:middle line:84% Back in 2017 00:23:10.010 --> 00:23:12.730 align:middle line:84% The census of agriculture showed that 00:23:12.730 --> 00:23:16.559 align:middle line:90% Asian American make up about a little bit less 00:23:16.559 --> 00:23:22.480 align:middle line:84% than 1% of farming operation in the US. 00:23:22.480 --> 00:23:24.830 align:middle line:84% But in the past four years 00:23:24.830 --> 00:23:28.490 align:middle line:90% as second and third generation Asian American 00:23:28.490 --> 00:23:33.170 align:middle line:90% devote more of their life to be discovering 00:23:33.170 --> 00:23:36.870 align:middle line:84% via our culture heritage. 00:23:36.870 --> 00:23:43.216 align:middle line:90% The agriculture market has expanded to accommodate 00:23:43.216 --> 00:23:48.380 align:middle line:90% a wider and more diverse range of niche produce. 00:23:48.380 --> 00:23:51.410 align:middle line:84% As well Asian American farmers 00:23:51.410 --> 00:23:53.640 align:middle line:84% are showing great interest 00:23:53.640 --> 00:23:56.590 align:middle line:84% in sustainable farming models 00:23:56.590 --> 00:24:02.040 align:middle line:84% that connect deeply to their farming root. 00:24:02.040 --> 00:24:04.840 align:middle line:84% And so there are more and more story 00:24:04.840 --> 00:24:07.770 align:middle line:84% of young Asian American farmers 00:24:07.770 --> 00:24:10.610 align:middle line:90% who might never have considered agriculture 00:24:10.610 --> 00:24:12.510 align:middle line:84% as a career option. 00:24:12.510 --> 00:24:14.050 align:middle line:84% Aren't as aware 00:24:14.050 --> 00:24:17.350 align:middle line:84% of their cultural connection to farming 00:24:17.350 --> 00:24:22.710 align:middle line:84% from early generation of immigrants. 00:24:22.710 --> 00:24:26.035 align:middle line:84% In an East (indistinct) magazine article, 00:24:26.035 --> 00:24:28.510 align:middle line:84% for example, 00:24:28.510 --> 00:24:31.800 align:middle line:84% Mr. (indistinct) 00:24:31.800 --> 00:24:34.550 align:middle line:84% at 24 years old, 00:24:34.550 --> 00:24:38.980 align:middle line:90% third generation Asian American in California. 00:24:38.980 --> 00:24:44.610 align:middle line:84% he say that in one case of 1.5 acre farm, 00:24:44.610 --> 00:24:46.810 align:middle line:84% only 1.5 acre farm, 00:24:46.810 --> 00:24:51.060 align:middle line:84% to provide (indistinct) grown Asian crops 00:24:51.060 --> 00:24:55.442 align:middle line:90% for local Asian American chef and restaurant. 00:24:55.442 --> 00:25:01.120 align:middle line:90% As well as a physical space for Asian Americans 00:25:01.120 --> 00:25:04.770 align:middle line:84% to connect their culture identity 00:25:04.770 --> 00:25:08.170 align:middle line:84% to ideas around food sovereignty 00:25:08.170 --> 00:25:12.170 align:middle line:84% and land stewardship. 00:25:12.170 --> 00:25:14.520 align:middle line:84% For him and others 00:25:14.520 --> 00:25:17.530 align:middle line:84% growing food and crops 00:25:17.530 --> 00:25:21.440 align:middle line:84% is a way to be more culturally connected. 00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:23.193 align:middle line:84% It's a pathway 00:25:23.193 --> 00:25:26.190 align:middle line:84% to culture reclamation. 00:25:26.190 --> 00:25:29.290 align:middle line:84% It's a way to use his voice 00:25:29.290 --> 00:25:33.888 align:middle line:84% as an Asian American. 00:25:33.888 --> 00:25:37.838 align:middle line:84% Let me close by recalling the reference 00:25:37.838 --> 00:25:40.431 align:middle line:84% Secretary (indistinct) made 00:25:40.431 --> 00:25:44.153 align:middle line:84% in his letter to the USDA community 00:25:44.153 --> 00:25:47.708 align:middle line:84% on the very first day of Asian American 00:25:47.708 --> 00:25:53.120 align:middle line:90% Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander heritage month. 00:25:53.120 --> 00:25:57.712 align:middle line:84% The secretary noted in his proclamation 00:25:57.712 --> 00:26:00.501 align:middle line:84% he recognized the observance 00:26:00.501 --> 00:26:04.700 align:middle line:90% And he (indistinct) to president Biden remind us 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:07.963 align:middle line:84% the American story, as we know it, 00:26:07.963 --> 00:26:11.260 align:middle line:84% would be impossible without the strength, 00:26:11.260 --> 00:26:14.110 align:middle line:84% the contributions and the legacy 00:26:14.110 --> 00:26:16.170 align:middle line:84% of Asian American, 00:26:16.170 --> 00:26:20.870 align:middle line:84% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders 00:26:20.870 --> 00:26:26.276 align:middle line:90% who have helped build and unite the country 00:26:26.276 --> 00:26:31.280 align:middle line:84% in each and every successive generation. 00:26:31.280 --> 00:26:34.774 align:middle line:84% From laying the railroad tracks, 00:26:34.774 --> 00:26:38.133 align:middle line:84% (indistinct) fields and starting business, 00:26:38.133 --> 00:26:42.910 align:middle line:84% to caring for our loved ones 00:26:42.910 --> 00:26:48.750 align:middle line:90% and honorably serving our nation in uniform. 00:26:48.750 --> 00:26:52.887 align:middle line:84% So the Asian American, Native Hawaiian 00:26:52.887 --> 00:26:55.630 align:middle line:84% and Pacific Islander communities 00:26:55.630 --> 00:26:57.960 align:middle line:84% are deeply rooted 00:26:57.960 --> 00:27:02.380 align:middle line:84% in the history of the United States. 00:27:02.380 --> 00:27:04.397 align:middle line:84% In the end we must ask, 00:27:04.397 --> 00:27:08.926 align:middle line:84% what kind of America do we want? 00:27:08.926 --> 00:27:12.680 align:middle line:84% Well at USDA 00:27:12.680 --> 00:27:15.380 align:middle line:84% the answer is clear. 00:27:15.380 --> 00:27:17.450 align:middle line:84% We want a society 00:27:17.450 --> 00:27:21.780 align:middle line:84% in which everyone lives with dignity 00:27:21.780 --> 00:27:25.200 align:middle line:84% and purpose and fulfill 00:27:25.200 --> 00:27:28.320 align:middle line:84% their goals and dreams. 00:27:28.320 --> 00:27:30.490 align:middle line:84% We want a society 00:27:30.490 --> 00:27:33.270 align:middle line:84% where the gifts of diversity 00:27:33.270 --> 00:27:36.740 align:middle line:84% are recognized and respected. 00:27:36.740 --> 00:27:38.810 align:middle line:84% And we want a society 00:27:38.810 --> 00:27:45.265 align:middle line:84% where everyone can use their voice. 00:27:45.265 --> 00:27:48.360 align:middle line:84% And so because of the history 00:27:48.360 --> 00:27:52.800 align:middle line:84% of our own ancestors, 00:27:52.800 --> 00:27:57.370 align:middle line:84% because of our contributions 00:27:57.370 --> 00:28:00.064 align:middle line:84% and our traditions 00:28:00.064 --> 00:28:03.772 align:middle line:84% they are made to this great country. 00:28:03.772 --> 00:28:08.070 align:middle line:84% I know I'm very proud. 00:28:08.070 --> 00:28:10.490 align:middle line:84% I have to thank you all very much 00:28:10.490 --> 00:28:14.779 align:middle line:90% for the opportunity to have the chance to talk to you. 00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:15.612 align:middle line:84% Thank you. 00:28:15.612 --> 00:28:19.216 align:middle line:84% So I'm open for any kind of question 00:28:19.216 --> 00:28:20.240 align:middle line:84% you might have for me. 00:28:20.240 --> 00:28:25.470 align:middle line:84% Thank you. 00:28:25.470 --> 00:28:27.880 align:middle line:84% - [Host] As we move to our Q and A 00:28:27.880 --> 00:28:30.410 align:middle line:90% Please press pound two on your telephone's keypad 00:28:30.410 --> 00:28:32.090 align:middle line:84% to enter the question queue. 00:28:32.090 --> 00:28:34.870 align:middle line:90% You'll hear a notification when your line is unmuted. 00:28:34.870 --> 00:28:37.630 align:middle line:90% At that time, please state your name and your question. 00:28:37.630 --> 00:28:39.570 align:middle line:90% Once again, pressing pound two will indicate 00:28:39.570 --> 00:28:41.270 align:middle line:84% that you wish to ask a question. 00:28:41.270 --> 00:28:42.940 align:middle line:84% You may also submit a written question 00:28:42.940 --> 00:28:44.250 align:middle line:84% by selecting all panelists 00:28:44.250 --> 00:28:46.250 align:middle line:84% from the dropdown menu in the chat panel 00:28:46.250 --> 00:28:48.330 align:middle line:90% entering your question in the message box provided 00:28:48.330 --> 00:28:56.330 align:middle line:84% and sending. 00:28:56.330 --> 00:29:13.410 align:middle line:90% At this time there are no questions in the queue. 00:29:13.410 --> 00:29:15.700 align:middle line:90% - Well, thank you, Dr. Liu for your presentation, 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:17.670 align:middle line:84% and thank you Terri for the introduction. 00:29:17.670 --> 00:29:19.720 align:middle line:84% And a very special thank you to everyone 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:22.700 align:middle line:90% who was able to take time out of their busy day today 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:24.880 align:middle line:84% to join us for our Asian American, 00:29:24.880 --> 00:29:26.980 align:middle line:84% Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander 00:29:26.980 --> 00:29:29.530 align:middle line:84% Special Emphasis Program Observance. 00:29:29.530 --> 00:29:31.420 align:middle line:84% Please be sure to join us next month 00:29:31.420 --> 00:29:34.910 align:middle line:90% for our LGBT Special Emphasis Program Observance 00:29:34.910 --> 00:29:37.000 align:middle line:84% and please do have a great day. 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:39.160 align:middle line:84% Thank you 00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:41.933 align:middle line:84% - [Dr Liu] Thank you very much. 00:29:41.933 --> 00:29:43.440 align:middle line:84% - [Host] That concludes our conference. 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:44.900 align:middle line:84% Thank you for using Events Services. 00:29:44.900 --> 00:29:49.900 align:middle line:84% You may now disconnect.