Frog Tree Farm's Growing Roots Ag Initiative

Commodities

Practices

In Minnesota, 80% of jobs are agriculture-related, yet historically underserved communities, particularly BIPOC youth in metro areas, are underrepresented in the agricultural sector. When Frog Tree Farm began its work with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to increase the number of emerging farmers, there were only 39 Black farmers in the state. In the six years since, that number has risen to over 150, marking significant progress. However, much more remains to be done.

Many students in metro areas have limited interest in agricultural careers because they don’t understand the wide range of opportunities the field offers. They often associate agriculture with outdated images, like Old McDonald’s farm, and are unaware of professions in areas such as sustainable farming, agribusiness, crop science, environmental stewardship, and agricultural technology.

To further increase the number of historically underserved farmers in Minnesota, it is essential to expose youth to these diverse agricultural career paths early. By engaging students from BIPOC communities in hands-on experiences and educating them about the broader agricultural landscape, we can inspire the next generation of farmers, entrepreneurs, and agricultural professionals, creating a more equitable and sustainable agricultural future for the state.

This initiative represents a comprehensive approach to advancing urban youth agricultural education & fostering community development within the agriculture landscape.
Cohorts of students will participate in educational workshops & building essential agricultural infrastructure. The hands-on learning experiences will enhance their understanding of ag practices & principles. These tangible, experiential activities serve to educate youth about food production while instilling a sense of ownership & responsibility towards sustainable ag.
Our project facilitates transformative experiences by organizing visits to active farms owned by those from historically underserved communities. These field trips expose our students to the realities of farming, offering valuable insights into operations, environmental stewardship, & rural livelihoods. By bridging the gap between urban/rural communities, we promote cross-cultural understanding & foster connections that transcend geographic boundaries.
Frog Tree Farm's demonstrated capacity to implement & sustain the project is evident through our track record of ag focused community engagement. We have established partnerships with local schools, youth organizations, & agricultural stakeholders, demonstrating our commitment to collaboration and shared goals. A Water Quality Certified & Climate Endorsed Farm, our project embraces environmental sustainability by promoting practices such as sustainable ag, water conservation, & habitat preservation. We recognize the importance of economic justice & strive to expose opportunities for living wage jobs within the ag industry to underserved communities.
This initiative represents a holistic approach to urban youth agricultural education & community development. Through meaningful engagement, collaborative partnerships, & a commitment to sustainability and equity, we are poised to make a lasting impact on the agricultural landscape and the communities we serve.
Objective 1: Conduct Educational Workshops on Agriculture Practices & Agricultural Careers
• Organize workshops that cover various aspects of ag including urban and rural farming practices, animal husbandry, & entrepreneurship.
• Invite guest speakers from diverse ag backgrounds to share their expertise and insights.
• Provide resources & information about educational pathways in ag to empower participants to pursue further studies or careers in this field.
How it Supports the Mission of the Grant:
Through educational workshops, we aim to deepen participants' understanding of ag and career options, in line with the grant's goals. These sessions offer diverse career insights, empowering informed decisions about ag engagement.
Objective 2: Facilitate Hands-on Experience in Building Ag Projects & Soil Management
• Engage participants in the construction of essential urban ag infrastructure & implementing soil improvement projects.
• Provide hands-on training & guidance to students, allowing them to actively contribute to the development of these projects.
• Incorporate lessons on soil health & management techniques, including composting, soil testing, and organic fertilization, to promote sustainable ag practices.
How it Supports the Mission of the Grant:
Through hands-on experiences, we provide practical skills aligned with the grant's goal of advancing youth ag education. These activities cultivate a stronger bond with ag and empower participants as community change-makers.
Objective 3: Organize Visits to Working Rural Farms
• Arrange field trips to active rural farms in Lyons Township and surrounding areas, allowing participants to observe firsthand the day-to-day operations of a working farm.
• Facilitate guided tours & interactive demonstrations led by farm owner’s into various aspects of farm management, including crop production, livestock care, & ag technology.
• Foster discussions & reflections on the significance of rural ag, its impact on food systems, & the interconnectedness between urban/rural communities.