We’re shining a spotlight on this organization because they’re our valuable partner in delivering educational resources to northern gardeners of all ages and skill levels. This initiative is funded in part by a three-year Community Food Projects Grant.

Big River Farms provides current and future farmers with farming-related education and resources for building sustainable and organic food businesses. An incubator farm located near Marine on St. Croix area of Minnesota, Big River grows more than 100 different kinds of organic vegetables, herbs, flowers and Indigenous crops. They also offer classes for types of farming and skill levels, from individuals who are just getting started to farmers with years of experience under their belt. The classes contain 12 winter classroom training sessions and 10 in-field training sessions in the spring to discuss production, marketing and farm operations. They even offer opportunities to rent independent plots that are fenced in and fertilized. Each plot includes tillage and access to water, supplies, seeds, farm tools and facilities. All food grown at the Big River Farms is sold through wholesale contracts, farmer’s markets and CSAs.

To learn more about and support the farmers of Big River Farms, visit their Independent Farmer CSAs page to for a more in-depth look at individual farmers and their mission. Don’t miss the personal stories—see how Big River Farms has impacted the lives of many.

This valuable organization plays an important role in the Midwest, bridging the gap between fresh, local, nutrient-dense food and people who have been excluded from the farm-to-table experience. By creating a pathway to become a farmer, Big River Farms provides anyone with the opportunity to enhance their education and grow (in every sense of the word).