Co-Op Provides Farmland Access To Communities

Co-Op Provides Farmland Access To Communities The Village Agricultural Cooperative of Rochester, Minn., provides farmland access to recent immigrant communities and other marginalized individuals. “We focus on sustainability and building stronger, more self-sufficient communities,” says Amanda Nigon-Crowley, Executive Director. “We believe by strengthening our local food supply, we create a more food-secure region for everyone.” She firmly believes that access to land changes participants’ lives. “Many of our members live in apartments or rental properties where they’re not allowed to grow food. Farmland access allows them to grow culturally specific foods that they might otherwise lose access to. This, in turn, reduces grocery costs. And for many families, the farms provide a safe space for community integration. People find a connection through common values, focused on self-sustainability, and a desire to maintain physical, mental and emotional health through fresh air, exercise and community. And good food.” At present, the Cooperative manages a total of 22 acres over six farm sites. “Four of our farms are within city limits and loaned to us by churches and other nonprofits,” says Nigon-Crowley. “The two farms outside of the city are owned by private parties and rented to our organization. All of these rental agreements are on a year-by-year basis, and we’re seeking long-term leases or land ownership for our organization. We currently have over 35 people on our waiting list for the 2025 season. We need more land.” Program participants have access to three high tunnels and washing and packing stations at the larger sites, along with small tools and implements. “We support our farmers in building their businesses. This includes administering programs that facilitate produce sales to local businesses and food shelves,” Nigon-Crowley says. “During Tuesday evenings from July through mid-October, we host a farmers market at the History Center of Olmsted County.” Candidates can register for the program by adding themselves to the waiting list, which can be found on the website. “Our farms are full every season and continue to grow through word-of-mouth,” Nigon-Crowley says. “Once someone has a farm, they keep it as long as they meet the farm guidelines. We charge a small fee, but use grant funding and private funding to cover most of our costs.  “Community support is really essential to fully actualize our mission. We host volunteer events a few times per season and seek connections to local businesses who are interested in sponsoring a farming season or the farmers market. We have live music every market and want to pay our musicians for their time as well. Likewise, we’d love to connect with anyone in the Rochester area who is looking to transition tillable land to new ownership. We’re seeking our own farm, either through a long-term lease or ownership.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Village Agricultural Cooperative, 3703 Country Club Rd. SW, Rochester, Minn. 55902 (contact@rochvillage.org; www.rochvillage.org).

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