Emerging Farmers Institute
In the World of Farming, Knowledge and People are Power
The Route 1 Emerging Farmers Institute is offered at no cost to emerging farmers of all backgrounds and experience. It is designed to create connections and camaraderie, and to share resources with emerging farmers, with an emphasis on the challenges facing Black, Brown, and Indigenous farmers.
This virtual, 10-week program offers the latest tools and information to empower farmers to grow better crops, grow their farm business, and provide nutritious, culturally relevant food to sustain their local communities.
Designed by farmers, for farmers
The Route 1 Emerging Farmers Institute curriculum was developed with support from the Minnesota African Immigrant Farmers Association, MN Department of Agriculture and other organizations dedicated to advancing the viability of small farms.
The 10-week program covers:
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Strategic Farm Planning
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Intro to Soil Health
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Intro to Cover Crops
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Intro to Pest Control
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Market Preparation
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Labor Help for Small Farmers
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Small Farm Financing
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Intro to Weed Control
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Intro to Farm Business Management/Insurance
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Mental Health for Emerging Farmers
Farmers who complete the 10-week course will receive access to the land on Route 1 farms to support their growing operations, an invitation to the Route 1 Farmers Market, where they can bring their products directly to those who need it most, and to Route 1's Market Development Services, supporting community distribution, chefs, restaurants, CSAs and commercial food services providers.
Emerging Farmers Institute Sponsors
The Route 1 Emerging Farmers Institute is made possible through generous support from:
Our Partners
The Route 1 Emerging Farmers Institute program was developed in partnership with:
