Note: The following is narrated in the first person by overseas Chinese Zhong Rong.
My name is Zhong Rong, from Qinghu Village in Huilong Town, Gaoyao District, Zhaoqing. I am among the earlier Gaoyao immigrants to Australia, and we mainly grew vegetables for a living after arriving.
Zhong Rong (Photo: Huilong Town)
Note: The following is narrated in the first person by overseas Chinese Su Guangming.
Today, many of our farms are located around Sydney and other cities, where we grow what we call "Chinese vegetables"—vegetables that are staples in Chinese cooking, such as choy sum, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, gai lan, spinach, and garlic chives.
Drawing on farming knowledge from our hometown and adapting to Australia's climate and soil conditions, we gradually developed a large-scale, specialized production system for Chinese vegetables. Thanks to their distinctive varieties and high quality, they have also become popular among Australians. Some Australian families now eat Chinese vegetables at least once a week, helping us successfully enter the mainstream market. We have also adopted hydroponic technology to grow off-season vegetables, ensuring a year-round supply of fresh produce.
At that time, however, most Gaoyao vegetable farmers in Australia did not speak English. Farming itself was manageable, but understanding government policies and protecting our rights were challenging, and this sometimes disrupted vegetable sales.
As a result, Gaoyao farmers came together in 1989 to establish the "Chinese Agricultural Association" in New South Wales. Around 90 percent of the members were from Gaoyao, while the rest were immigrants from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Zhongshan City of Guangdong. The association's original aim was simple: to bring together fellow villagers, protect their shared interests, and help Gaoyao farmers establish themselves in Australia.
After its establishment, the association became an important bridge between farmers and Australian government agencies, helping members tackle issues related to policies, market access, and daily operations. It also promoted information sharing and technical exchange, helping new arrivals adapt more quickly to the industry and market.
The "Chinese Agricultural Association" became an extended family for Gaoyao immigrants. Through mutual support in a foreign land, they gradually gained recognition and influence within Australia's agricultural sector, ultimately achieving a form of cross-cultural "acceptance through the shared love of food."
Author | Liu Yuheng
Text | Tong Hua
