![small town main street](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/small-town-street.jpg?h=56df56cf&itok=3j215fhE)
A brand new program, “Empowering Small Minnesota Communities,” will funnel a substantial amount of U of M capacity into small communities across the state.
![Greens growing in a farm-scale deep winter greenhouse.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/FSDWG%20800.jpg?h=57d69fa0&itok=730Ue14N)
Farm-scale deep winter greenhouses are showing great promise for energy efficient winter food production. Farmers and researchers have an exciting opportunity to partner to grow this technology across Minnesota.
![Aaron Bakke standing in front of grocery store refrigerators.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Aaron%20Bakke.jpg?h=887bff81&itok=WHnyVJo3)
Aaron’s Grocery in Northwestern Minnesota is known as one of the few local spots where people can purchase fresh produce, meats and cheeses. To keep customers’ baskets full, the store recently underwent a big energy-saving upgrade.
![Gwe Gasco serves as Sales & Marketing Director for 8th Fire Solar. He stands next to sign that gives Monday through Friday 9 to 4:30 as the hours.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/8th%20Fire%20Solar.jpg?h=a5a3aa5f&itok=4SWEWsiD)
A solar thermal business located on the White Earth Reservation in Northwestern Minnesota hopes their sustainable product can help build a better future for everyone, especially Native American communities.
Everyone can share in the anticipation of a tasty local nut crop
![Person pouring water into a testing machine.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Testing%20Water.jpg?h=2019dc2d&itok=Y4dPuNS4)
There are an estimated 980,000 privately owned wells in Minnesota. A new community-based approach to well water testing is gaining momentum, working to keep well-sourced drinking water safe for Minnesotans.
![Kiln with branches on fire to make biochar](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/kiln%20of%20fire.jpg?h=174e0aad&itok=0orZcLsU)
Biochar is produced by heating wood chips, plant clippings and other organic waste without oxygen. The end product is a lightweight black charcoal made up of carbon.
![Rumbi Masawi water produce in the Giving Garden.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Rumbi%20watering.jpg?h=4ac80bbf&itok=rVx_NBs8)
The St. Mark Giving Garden in Duluth grows produce, from tomatoes and sweet peppers to eggplants, garlic, herbs and pollinator plants on a rocky and hardscrabble piece of land.
![Zachary Paige](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Zachary%20Page%20Table%20RSDP.jpg?h=01f292c2&itok=nF_tWQMT)
New sustainable food systems coordinator Zachary Paige brings rich experience growing good food, community connections and partnerships to the NW RSDP region and statewide.
![Hikaru Peterson with students](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Hikaru%20Peterson%20with%20students.jpg?h=a234f093&itok=yDSC052a)
Faculty, staff, researchers and students showcase the partnerships between RSDP, the College of Design and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.