Renewing The Countryside Ii

Conservationrtc assists farmers in connecting with usda programs and services, such as loans offered by the farm service agency and natural resource conservation service programs. As of the end of 2024 we have assisted over 240 farmers, providing coaching via a team of community connectors, as well as support, workshops, farm tours,and networking. We empower women through the soil sisters and women in conservation projects, recently expanded into mn. We are bringing shared ecological and social benefits to urban communities through the development of mini forests, with one completed and two in planning phases.

Local food systemwe work to develop systems that support a robust local food system. Rtcoffers individualized technical assistance to small and mid-sizedfarmers and food businesses and institutions who are incorporatinglocal foods into their menus and onto their shelves. We support sixregional farmers markets hubs, expanding operations through productaggregation and sales to individuals consumers, wholesale andinstitutional buyers. We are a partner in the artisan graincollaborative, working to develop short, values-based supply chains,with a goal to incorporate more small and artisan grains in the uppermidwest landscape. As co-founder of the feast! Network, we coordinate the feast! Local foods marketplace in rochester, mn, as well as an annualtradeshow connecting foodmakers to wholesale buyers, and produce anannual local feast! Magazine. We work with farmers, processors andspecialty food manufacturers to increase their use of local farms andbolster the supply chain for local food in our region, in 2024 developing a specific focus on building capacity for functional berries. Adedictated staff team makes connections through farm to early care andfarm to school and institution programs, including supporting communitygardens and home-based day cares in st paul and offering education andfun projects to get children excited about growing and eating localfruits and vegetables, including distribution of local csa farm boxes to 10 st paul day care centers.