This innovative event focuses on the needs and interests of farmers who have traditionally faced barriers to building profitable agricultural businesses.
The Emerging Farmers Conference connects more than 2,500 farmers from 36 cultures, 26 states, and three countries. A collaborative of immigrant and BIPOC farmers, volunteers, and government, nonprofit, and University of Minnesota personnel plan the agenda.
19th Annual Emerging Farmers Conference
Rooted Resilience: Cultivating Strength Through Diversity
November 1-2, 2024
Registration opens on July 1, 2024.
Language interpretation (such as Swahili, Spanish, Karen, Burmese, Kirundi, Hmong, Nepali, Arabi, Mai Mai/ kizigoua, and Somali) is provided on registration.
Purpose
The Emerging Farmers Conference:
- Provides education and access to resources. For example, attendees receive financial plans, soil maps, and information about leasing and purchasing land.
- Builds knowledge. In hands-on sessions, farmers obtain information that is directly applicable to their farm’s success — like weed management or production of specialty crops. Community stakeholders gain a deeper understanding of how immigrant and BIPOC farmers contribute to the local food system. And everyone learns the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
- Fosters connections. Farmers build valuable relationships with vendors, farm advocates, educators, government officials and other community partners that support emerging farmers.
- Empowers participants to lead change. Conference participants are prepared to advance racial equity, support sustainable agriculture, and change local food systems. They learn about increasing access to healthy foods, resources, and economic opportunities. In collaborative problem-solving workshops, farmers talk about common challenges and solutions.
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