Conservation Connections: An introduction to NRCS & FSA resources and programs

You’re invited to a Field Day at Twin Cities Berry Company, a production farm dedicated to increasing the Twin Cities' supply and access to healthy, locally produced fruit. The farm achieves this by developing and utilizing season extension technologies that push fruit production past its normal harvest window while maintaining impeccable taste and quality.

Network with other farmers and bring your questions! A warm invite especially to beginning farmers and new landowners, those needing interpretation, those growing on rented land interested in conservation resources and new to NRCS and FSA.

Event is free to attend. Snacks will be served. Registration requested. Event will follow current COVID-19 protocols.

Hmong interpretation will be provided, please let us know if you would like interpretation for any other language and we will be happy to arrange it.

Speakers include:

Andy Petran, Twin Cities Berry Company

Brandon Dahl, County Executive Director, FSA

Adam Gritz, FSA Farm Loan Manager

Jacob Wolfe, FSA Farm Loan Officer

NRCS representative from Farmington office

Farm Tour Includes:

• A walk through of different tunnel structure from simple to complex, all of which are viable on small farms.
• Observations on the construction and performance of strawberry 'fruit factories', which combine in-ground and container production in the same space.
• A discussion on the limitations and adaptations of farming on rented land, including what NRCS programs can be used on rented land.
• Information about FSA loans and programs, with a focus on applying for an FSA Farm Ownership Loan.

Questions?  Contact Katie Kubovcik at katiekub0908@gmail.com or call/text 651-528-0608

About Conservation Connectors

Conservation Connections: Linking New & Underserved Farmers with Conservation Resources uniquely utilizes a “boots in the field” team of Farmer Connectors to assist these farmers to tap into information and opportunities to create a more successful farm business and cultivate soil health. With funding support from the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), this project provides outreach and support to historically underserved farmer groups including African Americans, Asian, Latino, Indigenous, veterans and beginning farmers.

Event Hosts

Renewing the Countryside is a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen rural areas by championing and supporting rural communities, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, activists and other people who are renewing the countryside through sustainable and innovative initiatives, businesses, and projects. The Sustainable Farming Association advances environmental stewardship, economic resilience and strong, diverse communities through farmer-to-farmer networking, education, demonstration and research. This project is made possible with funding support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).