Practices

Big River Farms prioritizes organic and sustainable farming through its Grower Training Program and Incubator Program. These initiatives teach organic crop production, business development, and resource access to immigrant, limited-resource, and historically underserved farmers. The farm adheres to USDA organic standards, monitored by third-party certifiers, and emphasizes natural inputs and environmentally friendly practices.

Offerings

Vegetables from participating farmers are sold through multiple channels:

• Independent CSAs: Includes Jacob Daniel Farms (sustainable Indian immigrant-led operation), StrongHeart Farms (flexible payment plans for SNAP/WIC recipients), and Yawelyahsi·Yó Farm (over 100 organic crops, including Indigenous varieties).
• The Food Group’s programs: Distributed through Fare For All (discounted groceries in rural areas), Twin Cities Mobile Market (affordable urban access), and food shelves/school meal programs.
• Farmers markets: Sold at Kingfield Market and others in the Twin Cities.

Visiting & Buying

CSA shares are available through direct farmer programs (e.g., Jacob Daniel Farms at Seward Co-op). The Food Group’s Fare For All and Twin Cities Mobile Market offer affordable groceries, with Fare For All closing metro sites by 2026. Orders for agency partners must be placed three days in advance for weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly deliveries.

Community Focus

Big River Farms works with underrepresented farmers to build sustainable businesses and improve food access. They no longer operate an aggregated CSA, instead focusing on direct market support for farmers. The Food Group, which manages Big River Farms, also provides bulk food purchasing, hunger relief, and culturally specific food programs across Minnesota.