Farmers

Farm to School and early care programs support local farmers, children and local economic growth. Selling to institutional markets can give farmers a predictable, stable source of income. Here are some useful tools to help farmers succeed in this market.

Minnesota Grown Wholesale Directory — Minnesota Department of Agriculture — Market your products to schools and other organizations. This database is free to Minnesota Grown members. Not a member? Join today for this benefit and more: Minnesota Grown Wholesale Directory Registration.

On-farm GAPs Education Program — University of Minnesota Extension — Get help writing your on-farm food safety plan and putting it into practice, as well as preparing for Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) audits.

Agricultural Business — University of Minnesota Extension — Producers face uncertain markets and narrow margins. Our programs, software, and tools teach producers and professionals about: risk management, marketing plans, transferring your business to the next generation, and agricultural policy questions.

Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA), Publications Catalog — University of Minnesota — MISA promotes sustainable agriculture in Minnesota. The publications catalog offers handbooks and guides on marketing local foods and building a sustainable business, among dozens of others.

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Production — University of Minnesota Extension —Find research on how to refine your production and marketing practices to produce healthy safe foods and enhance profitability.

Small Farms — University of Minnesota Extension — Minnesota has seen a sharp rise in small farms. To serve these farmers, the Small Farms team provides education in crop and livestock production, natural resources conservation, and business management to enhance the sustainability of Minnesota's small farms.