Big River Farms (BRF) has received gold level status in the Sustainable Stillwater MN Green Business Directory! This online, public directory encourages people to align their personal values with their spending by choosing businesses with green, sustainable, resilient products and practices. It lists environmentally and socially conscious businesses located in or serving Washington County, Minnesota.

After applying, businesses receive either bronze, silver, or gold level status, based on their green business report card gradeBig River Farms scored 114% (91/80), to obtain the highest-level award for our sustainability practices. 

Since 2005, we have provided education on sustainable agriculture to hundreds of farmers through our annual Farmer Education Program and Emerging Farmers Conference. We founded one of the first incubator farms in the country and are one of the only ones that serves farmers of all backgrounds and cultures, with a particular focus on mentoring and supporting BIPOC farmers.

We strive to work with our land in a symbiotic relationship, so that we can produce delicious, nourishing foods while ensuring soil, water, air, and wildlife remain healthy and thriving. We have the great privilege to work on land surrounded by woods and lakes, full of life both above and below ground.

We take our role as caretakers of this beautiful and unique piece of land very seriously. We teach and demonstrate organic agricultural practices that build soil health, preserve diverse ecosystems and pollinator habitat, conserve water, and protect air and water quality. We believe that the health of our ecosystem is crucial to the success of our farm.

“To grow healthy vegetables, you have to focus on soil biology. This means ensuring live microorganisms, earthworms, and other small creatures thrive beneath the ground. To grow beautiful produce, we need to take care of the soil and it will take care of our food,” says fourth year BRF farmer Wa Kou Hang.

Thank you for supporting our sustainability practices as a valued CSA member!

We Value Nutritious Food
Working with our community partners, The Food Group buys, gleans, grows, and processes fresh produce.

Food Bank
or Food Shelf?
The Food Group is a food bank that supplies other hunger relief agencies with fresh produce, frozen meat, grocery staples, and other household necessities. Food shelves distribute free food to individuals and families in their local communities.

The Food Group believes in food equity. They believe in culturally specific foods. They believe in meeting people where they are at. And most of all, they believe in dignity.

The Food Group volunteer and donor

Learn from Last Year's Event
The 16th annual Emerging Farmers Conference was held virtually in January 2021. Check out the executive summary.

At Big River Farms, we believe everyone who wants to start a sustainable farm should have access to education, land, infrastructure, markets, resources, and connections to meet their goals.

Help raise awareness of hunger in our communities!

Media Inquiries
Contact Sophia or call 763-450-3860.

Cash Grants Are Welcome, Too
Contact Emily Eddy White about making a corporate or foundation gift to The Food Group or call 763-450-3868.

Did You Know?
Over 20% of Black households and 19% of Latinx households report food insecurity, compared to 10% of white households.

Are You a Fare For All Fan?
Share about your Fare For All stop! The more people who shop, the better the prices for everyone.

Equity and Nutrition
Learn more about The Food Group's mission and read our Equity Values Statement and Healthy Foods Policy.

Would your organization like to join our list of groups donating $5,000 or more? Email Laura Mirafuentes or call 763-450-4209.

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The Food Group

We’re a nonprofit working at the intersection of equity and access to fresh, sustainable foods. From farming to distribution, we provide fresh food across MN and WI.

The Food Group is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. EIN 41-1246504 Contributions are tax-deductible to the full amount provided by the law.

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The Food Group Office & Warehouse

Big River Farms