The 2024 growing season marked the second year of the Come & Get It grant program with Renewing the Countryside (RTC). In partnership with the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) and the Sustainable Farming Association (SFA), RTC helped host nine on-farm food events across Minnesota.
In Year 1, farmers received tools, resources, information, and coaching from RTC, MFU, and SFA to learn the ins and outs of on-farm food service and determine if it was a good fit for their farm. By Year 2, these farmers were equipped to plan and host their own on-farm food events, supported by grant funding from RTC.
Each event was truly unique, capturing the essence of the farm and the community that supported it. Kelsey Wulf, the organizer of the Deep Roots Festival, focused on connecting consumers with farms to show the care and attention put into food production, inspiring support for farmers and reducing food waste. Tracy Jonkman, at Meet Your Makers, partnered with Sharing Our Roots to explore land access opportunities for immigrant and emerging farmers. Mary Fischer of Sowing Seeds for the Future wanted children to experience farm life, while Kelley Rajala of Aitkin Summer Sip & Savor sought to expand local food sales in sparse rural areas and diversify income through on-farm events.
Despite their diverse formats, every event was united by a powerful celebration of community, fostering connections around local food access, and unwavering support for farmers.
The Come and Get It Team was lucky enough to be able to attend every event across Minnesota to engage with vibrant communities and see what each farm had to offer. Here are some highlights from the 2024 growing season!
Sowing Seeds: Celebrating Local Foods & Lost Skills
Guests enjoyed a pop-up farmers market with fresh goods from local growers, engaging skills demos, fun kids' activities, and a fantastic local food truck. A memorable day for all ages!
Growing Your Community
Aitkin Summer Sip & Savor
Clover Valley Farm Fest
Butcher's Dinner & Barn Dance
Our Local Plate- Farm Fest & Market
Deep Roots Festival
Meet Your Makers
Harvest Star
It was incredible to witness farmers drawing on their diverse backgrounds and perspectives to create truly meaningful events that not only honored the community supporting them but also enhanced food access for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this year, and stay tuned for more events in the future as we continue to grow, connect, and celebrate the incredible work happening on Minnesota’s farms!
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