Each year, our Harvest Social farm-to-table fundraiser dinner is what powers our grantmaking programs, giving sustainable family farms across the region what they need to succeed. These funds are matched by our program sponsor, CoBank, and split into amounts up to $7,000 per farm business. Together, we have been able to distribute over half a million dollars directly to small farmers and food makers in our local food shed via our Next Stage Grant Program and Hardship Grant Program. We are so proud to be the stewards of these programs.
Wondering what kinds of on-farm projects are funded by these programs? Here are our 2024 Next Stage Grant Projects with some updates from the awardees. Scroll to the bottom for a list of our 2025 Next Stage Grant Awardees!
Naima’s Farm – Cold Storage: “This grant funding has been an invaluable asset to our business, providing us with the peace of mind that comes from having the proper infrastructure to support our growing farm operation. It has allowed us to establish a clean, safe space for storing produce and other products, ensuring we meet essential food safety standards as we continue to expand and build.”
Northwood Mushrooms* – Mushroom Growing A Frame
Que Sehra Farm – Deer Fence: “These types of grants enable farmers to invest in something that frees up resources and makes their farms more productive. We really appreciate the support!
Way of the Root Farm – Hydroponic System: “For our market shoppers and program donors, we want to emphasize the impact of your support. Not only are you helping us grow better food, but you’re also supporting educational opportunities for youth and creating more accessible farming practices. Your support is helping to shape the future of sustainable agriculture.”
Stone Hearth Farm & Garden – Wood Fire Brick Oven
Over East Goods LLC – Cold Storage: “We are so grateful to programs like these. They really make small farms work and through the support of MCFM’s Next Stage Grant, we are buoyed.”
Turtle Creek Flowers* – Wedding Floral Education: “I’m very grateful for this opportunity to expand my skills, knowledge & creativity and to branch into new floral markets. In a business that is constantly and rapidly evolving, being able to diversify is essential and this has the potential to open many new doors.”
Sharing Our Roots – Walk-in Cooler & Irrigation
Heirloomista* – Greens Wash & Pack Materials: “I was able to double my fresh herb sales this year and sell 70% more fresh loose leaf salad greens due to the grant’s impact on my farm. Additionally, I was able to increase my value-added herb salt production by 30% last year!”
Kilimo Minnesota* – Wash Basins: “We used the wash station for education for new farmers. Having a wash station mitigated food safety risks for Kilimo and the farmers within the incubator, and resulted in higher quality produce.”
Lee’s Family Farm – Cold Storage
Clover Bee Farm* – Deer Fence: “Fencing was built to keep the “salad bar” safe from deer. We are very happy to no longer be the neighborhood ‘salad bar’ after a nearby doe gave birth to triplets last spring!” Social media updates can be found here and here.
Cut Face Cuttings – Hydroponic Tulip Winter Growing: “I feel like I have a stronger foundation now to move forward with this offer each year. I am able to sell these tulips at a 15% higher price because they are a better quality flower, out of season. I have gained attention, recognition, and professionalism by offering a quality flowers during winter.”
Diction LLC – Organic Certification
And here is a list of our 2025 Next Stage Grant Awardees – their projects are currently in progress, and we can’t wait to see what their futures hold! Stay tuned for updates.
- Better Greens LLC – Mulch Layer
- California Street Farm – Cold Storage
- Farm Sol – Greenhouse for Season Extension
- Granja Las Aguilas LLC – Tractor for Pasture Rotation
- Maple Ridge Farms – Produce Food Safety Renovations
- Xia Lor Vang – Pack Shed Project
- Philadelphia Community Farm – Cold Storage
- Agate Acres Farm & Events – Cooler & Farm Electrication
- Dawn2Dusk Farms* – Greens Harvester/Salad Spinner
- Mhonpaj’s Garden* – Pack Shed
- Dancing Gnome Farm – Wash & Pack Upgrades for Greens Efficiency
- A Very Good Farm – Pack Shed
- Morning Glory Farm and Gardens* – Walk-in cooler
- Fiddlehead Knob – Precision Processing for Organic Mushrooms
- Shepherd’s Way Farms* – Egg Expansion
- Oxheart Farm LLC – Paper Pot Transplanter
- Twin Cities Berry Company* – Living Windbreak for Crop Protection
- The Healing Garden – Mobile Greenhouse Year Round
* denotes past or present Mill City Farmers Market vendor