Urban Farm Incubator

In Minnesota, the demand for organic, locally-grown produce is far greater than supply.  Strong evidence demonstrates that intensive, small-scale urban agriculture can help to fill this gap.  Examples in other cities have shown that even on very small parcels of land, urban agricultural operations growing salad greens, sprouts, and other vegetables can turn a significant profit. 

In light of this opportunity, a growing number of urban residents, both immigrants and U.S.-born, are trying to become small-scale commercial growers.   Challenges to new urban farmers include access to land, access to finance, and training in both horticulture and small business planning. 

In addition to these common challenges, women often face additional hurdles, as in many communities women have had less access than men to finances, leadership and entrepreneurial opportunities.  Thus, we have chosen to focus our Urban Farm Incubator program on assisting women, particularly immigrant women, in becoming successful small agricultural business owners.

This Women’s Urban Farm Incubator program will provide land and training to women, enabling them to become successful urban farmers.  (See examples of related projects at: http://tinyurl.com/6pretv and www.spinfarming.com)
 
With the help of a planning grant from the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, we will work to lay the groundwork for the 2010 growing season.  We will:

• secure our multi-acre site on former industrial land
• establish a planning committee including prospective participants
• design a curriculum including both horticultural and small-business training
• grow a green manure (cover crop) on the land to ensure soil quality