Sustainable farming

We're so excited that several of the Meet the Minnesota Makers "Shop Minnesota" gift guide members are part of Minnesota's State Fair Tradition. Come meet them in person at the Great Minnesota Get Together!

The MTRY & Co’s online marketplace, based in Mankato, offers beef, chicken and pork specialty boxes along with local cheese, spice rubs, and bacon socks that are shipped directly from the producer farms in sustainable packaging.

The Chisholms have committed to regenerative farming practices, eliminating the herbicide glyphosate, cultivating heritage grains, and milling those same grains on their farm. Since they got the call asking if they wanted to plant some extra einkorn, an ancient grain often called “the original wheat,” their soil, and their farm has transformed. 

“Growing food is stressful,” explained Jade and Carrie of the artist-led Black Radish Urban Farm in Minneapolis. “It’s also a beautiful thing. Local food can build community.” “Our farm in non-traditional in every aspect,” states Carrie. “We feel like it’s more community art than farming. We want to be able to replicate our model and grow into other neighborhoods. More people should be able to come together in their own community through food.” 

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms and businesses are real life examples of individuals collaborating at the local level to support the common good and build thriving communities. Through the CSA model a farm becomes the community’s farm.