The Route 1 Emerging Farmers Institute is an emerging farmers training program designed to increase the number of BIPOC Minnesota based farmers and ultimately, help these emerging farmers market their goods. To succeed, farmers really do need to have real world farming experience and early on, Route 1 will partner with existing organizations in the community who have successful crop planning programs.

The Route 1 Farmers Market is an anti-racist, incubator market centering BIPOC Minnesota based farmers and makers. We provide a platform where BIPOC Minnesotan growers can take their small business dreams to the farmers market environment in a way that makes sound business sense.

The agricultural production and processing industry has been a sturdy pillar of the global food distribution system since the beginning of time and the need for innovation, creativity and fresh insight is dramatically needed in the fight to increase food access.  Through its Youth Academy, Route 1 is looking to not only ensure that the next generation has access to nutritious, culturally relevant food but also access to a career path within agriculture and its related sciences.