As of February 25th, 2025, all of our 2024 invoices to the federal government are being denied. This means that the $82,500 in expenses to implement the LFPA program in 2024 is not being considered for reimbursement. We hope that the federal government honors our legal binding contract to deliver services to our people, as we've done the work and provided all documentation. We have had to lay off all part-time staff due to the government's refusal to make good on their side of the agreement.

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As we look back on 2024, we are grateful for all of the dedicated farmers and donors that helped us accomplish many of our goals. Here are some of our highlights:

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Century Pine Farm: We leased an 11 acre farm and were able to aggregate produce in coordination with 14 farmers from the location. We brought in a large shed, build a washing/packing station, purchased a new refrigerated trailer for the site, and brought in loads of supplies for everything from cultivating to wholesale shipping boxes.  In 2025, the farmers will take over the ownership of the lease and the property management, and the Village will continue to support by supplying a bathroom, liability insurance, and guidance on programming. We will also maintain the amenities of the cooler and packshed. 

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​​​​​$112,000 in produce sales through Local Food Purchase Agreement, a contract with the MDA and USDA: We were awarded funding to purchase money from our farmers and donate it to local food shelves. Partner organizations including The Good Acre and Channel One also received this funding, and also purchased food from our farmers. This had a positive economic impact for our farming entrepreneurs. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Continued Partnerships with Mayo Clinic and SMIF:  Big thanks to these funders for their exceptional continued support for entrepreneurial development and operational support.  Through our partnership with Mayo Clinic, we also continued to participate in cancer prevention and awareness education efforts, with our farmers continuing to advocate for cancer-fighting vegetables!! 

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Year three of the farmer's market, and the opening of a second market:  Our partnership with the History Center continues to flourish, and our market grew again this season with more patrons and vendors than ever before!! With weekly live music and a weekly food truck, we hope you'll visit us on Tuesdays in 2025 from 4 - 7 pm. Our first market will be June 24th and take place at Rochesterfest in Soldiers Field. "Ignite your Spark" and catch our market at Rochesterfest, or cheer for us in the parade on Saturday!! 

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​Land Access forward momentum: We continue to work closely with partners to actualize land ownership for our organization and for our historically marginalized farming communities.

 

​American Rescue Plan Act, USDA: In coordination with Big River Farms, The Food Group and two other incubator farms, we completed year two of our five year contract with the USDA to provide technical assistance to farmers. In 2025, this funding is on hold by the new Trump administration, and it is unclear if we will be allowed to utilize any further support from this program.  

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What we still urgently need: Funding for staffing!! Market support! Musicians for market! We need further funding for our market coordinator position and would like to hire ½ time office support staff and marketing support. Thank you!