Farmer Education
Providing education, resources, and land for emerging farmers and delivering locally grown food to those who need it most.
Our Farmer Education Programs
Our farmer education programs are intentionally designed to support emerging farmers at each stage of their farming journey. We emphasize hands-on education and land-based learning opportunities to grow skills and food.
Big River Farms
Big River Farms is a land-based farmer training program and incubator farm near Marine on St. Croix where emerging farmers access land and resources and gain hands-on experience growing food. By equipping farmers with skills and support to build their businesses, we are cultivating a stronger food system for tomorrow.
Farmer Education Programs at Big River Farms
Grower Training Program
Incubator Program
The Power of Land-Based Learning
We believe learning happens on the land. The Food Group’s programs offer a unique combination of classroom and land-based learning, so farmers can build their skills and gain firsthand farming experience.
Expanding Land Access at Our AgriSolar Farm
The Food Group operates an AgriSolar Farm in collaboration with US Solar, where crops are cultivated between solar panels. Our AgriSolar Program offers a pathway for emerging farmers to secure affordable, long-term access to high quality farmland.
The Emerging Farmers Conference
Born out of a 1970s grassroots food activist movement, The Emerging Farmers Conference is an annual multi-lingual, multicultural event created to foster connections and hands-on learning for emerging farmers.
