Extension is working to boost small‑scale farms by strengthening their farm stand operations.
University of Minnesota Extension’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnership is helping specialty-crop farmers and communities build resilient, sustainable farm stand models.
The project combines direct marketing research, solar-powered farm stand blueprints and community-informed guides to help farmers improve customer engagement, reduce food loss, and expand access to fresh local products.
What the research says
University research confirms that farm stands have exceptionally low operating expenses. Selling directly to your consumer is profitable and popular. In fact, 75% of small‑farm vegetable sales come through direct marketing. Farm stands are especially valuable for young, beginning or efficiency-minded farmers because they require less labor and travel compared to other direct sales options. Farm stands deliver an 84% profit margin — far higher than the 32% financial return seen at farmers markets.
Solar farm stand
Prefabricated prototype design guide
A demonstration of off-grid refrigeration for Minnesota specialty crop growers
The University of Minnesota Extension Solar Farm Stand was developed to research and better understand how solar-powered refrigeration can help specialty crop growers maintain produce quality, reduce food waste and expand direct-to-consumer sales.
Many farm stands are located far from electrical service, making refrigeration expensive or impractical. This prototype combines solar panels, battery storage and commercial refrigeration to demonstrate one approach to operating an off-grid refrigerated farm stand.
This is a demonstration and research project, not a one-size-fits-all design. Extension will continue evaluating the system under Minnesota conditions and sharing what we learn.
Resources
Quick tips for marketing your farm stand
A quick reference to guide your farm stand marketing. Start with a few actions, build over time, and refer to the full farm stand toolkit for more detail, examples, and guidance.
Marketing your farm stand toolkit
Whether you’re running a self-serve pumpkin stand or a fully staffed season-long operation, thoughtful marketing can help more people find you, feel confident buying from you, and make your farm stand a regular stop in their lives.
Farm stand customer survey results and analysis
In the summer of 2025, 50 farm stands across Minnesota partnered with RSDP and Minnesota Grown to better understand their customers and strengthen on-farm promotion efforts.
Our partners
- With support from a Minnesota Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant, RSDP is partnering with Minnesota farmers to create tools and best‑practice guides that enhance farm stand performance.
- The University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Building Research is developing a solar‑powered farm stand prototype with a cooler designed to show-off goods, maintain freshness and reduce waste. A prototype is currently on display at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Farm at the Arb.
- Collaboration with Minnesota Grown will expand consumer awareness, provide a farm stand directory, and elevate farm stands as key local food access points.
Contact us
We invite growers and project partners to explore the prototype, ask questions and follow along as we learn about the opportunities and challenges of solar-powered refrigeration for Minnesota farm stands.
Contact Zachary Paige at [email protected].
Reviewed in 2026