​​​Century Pine Farm: The Village is stepping back from Century Pine Farm and allowing the farmers to take over the lease and management of the operation. This marks a major success for the Village, as our efforts have helped the farmers establish and grow their own independent business. Over the past year, the Village supported the development of essential infrastructure, including a large pack shed, washing and packing station, refrigerated trailer, and supplies for cultivation and distribution. With the farmers now taking over the lease and property management, the Village’s role at the site has concluded, celebrating the successful transition to a fully farmer-led business.​​

​

​​​​​13,909 pounds of produce through the Local Food Purchase Agreement (LFPA): In 2025, five Village farmers grew and sold 13,909 pounds of fresh, local produce, helping create 11,127 meals for families in need. Through LFPA, farmers earned income while building their vegetable production businesses and gaining experience to meet local demand. Our partnership with Channel One Food Bank helped make this possible. This program created a positive economic impact for our farming entrepreneurs while strengthening local food systems. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

​

LEAFF Program: Four Village farmers participated in the LEAFF program, which provided hands-on training in proper produce handling and boxing techniques—key skills for selling to wholesale buyers and grocery stores. The program through The Good Acre supported our farmers in developing the professional practices needed to expand their markets and increase long-term business success.

​​

Continued Partnerships with Mayo Clinic, SMIF, and the City of Rochester:  We are so thankful for the continued support from Mayo Clinic, SMIF, and the City of Rochester. Their partnership has made a real difference in helping us grow and support local entrepreneurs. With Mayo Clinic, we’ve continued our work around cancer prevention and awareness, with our farmers promoting cancer-fighting vegetables throughout the season. Mayo has also recognized how our markets and gardens support community mental health by providing safe spaces where immigrant communities can come together, connect, and find a sense of belonging. The City of Rochester has also been a huge help in getting the new MLK Park Market up and running, helping us build stronger food access and community connections. 

​​​

Year Four of the History Center Farmers Market and Expansion to MLK Park: This year’s farmers markets were full of energy, good food, and great community spirit. We hosted 16 markets at The History Center and 14 at Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and brought back F.A.R.M. Fest for another fun-filled celebration. Each market featured a wide variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts, flowers, baked goods, prepared food, and more. Live local bands added to the atmosphere, with music ranging from slow rock and country to trombone performances that kept everyone smiling. While we are wrapping up our time hosting Tuesday markets at The History Center, we are excited to announce a new weekday market location next season with more foot traffic and opportunities to connect with even more people. The Sunday Market at MLK Park will continue, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next season.

​​

​Land Access forward momentum: We continue to work closely with partners to actualize land ownership for our organization and for our historically marginalized farming communities.

 

​American Rescue Plan Act, USDA: In coordination with Big River Farms, The Food Group and two other incubator farms, we completed year two of our five year contract with the USDA to provide technical assistance to farmers. This program helped us to further educate farmers and assist them in significant economic gains as they learn succession planting, marketing, tracking P&L, and preparing produce for harvest. We are also supporting farmers through purchase agreements and produce contracts. Let's GROW!!!

​

​