Farm Partners
Our Farmer Education Programs
We offer three emerging farmer education programs, designed to support you at each stage of your farming journey. Whether you just started growing or have years of farming experience, our training programs can equip you with skills and support to move your farm business to the next stage.
- learn to cultivate crops for organic production
- develop the basics for launching a farming business or community program
- manage your own farm (skill-based)
- have the chance to secure affordable, long-term land access to grow your farm (skill-based)
Our training programs are intentionally designed to support immigrant, limited resource, and historically underserved individuals.
Grower Training Program
Our one-year Grower Training Program trains participants to cultivate crops for organic production and develop the basics for launching a farming business through hands-on learning and apprenticeship with an experienced local farmer.
Program Location: Saint Paul and Big River Farms, Marine on St. Croix, Apprenticeship at a Twin Cities regional farm
This program is for growers thinking about starting a farming business.
Our Grower Training Program includes:
- Practical skill demonstrations
- Land-based training growing food
- Apprenticeship with a local farmer
- In-field classes
- Field trips to local farms
- Guidance on launching a farming business
Incubator Program
Our Incubator Program provides growers with access to an independent plot of land, shared farm equipment and infrastructure, and one-on-one support to build skills and grow their farm business.
Program Location: Big River Farms, Marine on St. Croix
This program is for graduates of the Growers Training Program at Big River Farm or emerging farmers with 2-4 years of growing experience in Minnesota or a similar climate.
- Access to an independent plot of land at Big River Farms
- One-to-one support from farm experts
- Opportunity to manage your own farm
- Access to farm infrastructure
- Field trips to local farms
- Business development support
- Practical skill demonstrations
- Training resources
- Networking with peers and experts
Big River Farms
Big River Farms is a land-based incubator training farm near Marine on St. Croix where emerging farmers can access land, tools, and training to grow a sustainable farm business.
AgriSolar Farm Program
Our AgriSolar Farm Program is a pathway for emerging farmers to secure affordable, long-term access to high-quality farmland. In collaboration with US Solar, farmers will learn how to cultivate crops between solar arrays.
Program Location: Big Lake, Minnesota
This program is for graduates of the Incubator Training Program Big River Farm or emerging farmers looking to grow their business with 4+ years of farming experience in Minnesota or a similar climate.
Our AgriSolar Farm Program includes:
- Longterm affordable lease on a plot at our AgriSolar Farm in Big Lake
- Opportunity to manage your own farm
- Access to farm infrastructure
- Opportunity to learn to grow food in a unique setting
- Business development support
- Practical skill demonstrations
- Training resources
- Networking opportunities with peers and experts
AgriSolar Farm
The Food Group operates an AgriSolar Farm in collaboration with US Solar, where crops are cultivated between solar panels.
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Emerging Farmers Conference
The Emerging Farmers Conference (EFC) is an annual event that brings together farmers and agriculture professionals from across the US and territories to build skills, share resources, and network with peers. Whether you are a new farmer or looking to grow your operation, EFC will equip you for the next stage of your farm business.