Big River Farms, formerly Minnesota Food Association, offers land access and education in organic agriculture for immigrants, refugees, people of color, and others who have historically faced discrimination in accessing farmland, markets, education and other farming support. We provide beginning farmers mentorship and guidance in managing their own 1/8 to 6-acre plots of certified organic land at Big River Farms, our 150-acre incubator farm near Marine on St. Croix, MN. Farmers have a guaranteed market for their produce via the Big River Farms Food Hub, which consists of wholesale contracts, a 165+ member CSA, and farmers markets. These markets are used as educational opportunities while farmers hone their skills to sell to additional markets. We teach and demonstrate organic agricultural practices that build soil health, preserve diverse ecosystems and pollinator habitat, conserve water, and protect quality.
Big River Farms also provides educational programming on sustainable agriculture to 350+ youth and community members per year and hosts the annual Emerging Farmers Conference with 250+ attendees. Big River Farms strengthens our community by building a more sustainable and just food system.
