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Welcome to the Village

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The Village Agricultural Cooperative creates opportunities for our communities to produce culturally relevant food.  By creating space for public and market gardens in urban areas, we address the health needs of our people and planet while building food systems for future generations, and nourishing our elders too. We believe that sustainable agriculture creates healthy communities. 

News & Events! 

WE'RE HIRING!! 

Farm Educator at the Village

This is a full-time (40 hours) to ¾ time (30 hours) per week position. Ranging from $20-$24 per hour. Six weeks paid vacation, no other benefits currently. This position is funded through December 2027 by the American Rescue Plan Act - USDA in partnership with Big River Farms. 

Organization Overview

The Village Agricultural Cooperative is a local nonprofit focused on connecting people to farmland in urban areas in and around Rochester, MN. Founded in 2019 through community partners from the University of Minnesota-Rochester, Diversity Council, Olmsted County Public Health and more, this organization serves residents of Olmsted County by providing land access, farm education, market connections, food distribution, and resource building. The Village became a 501(c)3 nonprofit in March 2022.

 

The Village was created in response to our communities’ needs surrounding food sovereignty, environmental justice, local food sourcing, diversifying Minnesota’s farmers, and community integration, as well as regenerative farming practices. These core values also address the gaps and disparities experienced by historically marginalized people in MN by providing them with culturally relevant entrepreneurial opportunities and safe spaces to produce healthy foods for their families and grow their farm and food businesses. 

 

Job Summary

The Farm Educator will assist a diverse set of farmers by providing education, resource allocation, and technical assistance to growers that covers but are not limited to the following: 

  • skills needed in the basics of crop production 

  • food safety-harvesting-handling practices

  • business management

  • how to sell produce

  • financial literacy

  • appropriate amendment application

  • pest and weed management 

  • land fertility/soil health

  • season extension and infrastructures

  • greenhouse planting

  • seed ordering

  • trellising

  • utilizing tools

  • irrigations

  • field prep

  • record keeping

  • Connection to USDA/FSA/NRCS and Rural Authority services and programs

Some duties and responsibilities may be:

  • Conduct 1:1 technical assistance

  • Assist with goals setting

  • Visit farmers in their field

  • Conduct phone calls and check-in as needed throughout the growing season

  • Identify needs and resources to address obstacles that producers frequently face

  • Assist farmers as they wrap up the growing season

  • Ensure proper record keeping

  • Assist in the development of education materials

  • Assist in filling out applications for USDA, FSA, and Rural authority programs and services

  • Connect farmers to resources

The Farm Educator will report to the Executive Director and will work with community partners, specifically our project partner Big River Farms, to build capacity and resources and provide technical assistance for the farmers. This person will attend occasional training to build upon their own technical assistance skills. 

Position Requirements

  1. Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

  1. Must be able to work effectively with individuals who are significantly diverse with respect to age, race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion

  2. Must be able to work effectively in an organization that recognizes its own issues related to equity, and is seeking to be more representative of the community

  3. Demonstrated commitment to food systems change focused on health, nutrition, and equity

  4. Must have farming experiences

  5. Basic knowledge of pests and disease management

  6. Basic understanding of so,il health

  7. Strong interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication across various cultures

  8. Ability to work independently and prioritize many competing demands and responsibilities 

  9. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

  10. Coaching/mentorship abilities strongly desired

  11. Knowledgeable of farm finance and farm management skills

 

Minimum Education and Experience

  1. Farming experience,  five years preferred

  2. Preferred knowledge of farm equipment handling

  3. Food systems exposure

  4. Knowledge of or experience in sustainable agriculture and land stewardship

  5. Fluency in a language other than English is a plus

 

Working Conditions and Environment 

This position works primarily during normal business hours but includes some evening and weekend hours to accommodate farmer availability/event schedules. The location of work will be catered to the needs of the farm operation but will also be mindful of the employee’s personal schedule. In-office and at-home hours may be negotiated. 

 

This employee must be able to push, pull, lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and work outdoors in varying conditions.  

 

All employees must be able to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion. The Village is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Applications Process

If interested, please submit your resumes and a cover letter to Amanda Nigon-Crowley, AmandaNC@RochVillage.org. Questions: 507-271-7069

 

Applications will be accepted through September 22nd, 2023. 

A Few Markets Left this 2023 season. Join us! 

The Village Farmers Market and Art Show is every Tuesday from 4 - 7 pm between now and the end of October! Join us for live music, cooking demonstrations, local art, local produce, and more! You can find us at the History Center of Olmsted County in the pavilion to the west of the main building. 

2023 Season Plans

MDA Research: AGRI - Diverse Crop Production in Northern Markets

 

American Rescue Plan Act: In coordination with Big River Farms and two other incubator farms, we are able to hire 1.5 FTE and begin formal farm education. 

Covenant Church Farm

Seeking funding for children's and senior's area. 

Market Hub Development

https://www.farmersmarkethub.org/lfpp-2022-2024/, Installation of 3 washing/packing and handwashing stations at three largest farms. Aggregate Hub start-up. Market season June - October @ History Center.

 

Expansion - History Center

Well - Need major funding, 40 - 60K

Hoop House completion, educational programming.

Jubilo Farm

Hoop House: Install End Walls, Add Electricity & Skin High Tunnel.

Presbyterian Church

Water line repair

 

Summer Educational Programming

Mayo Clinic Office of Equity Research

Master Gardeners of Olmsted County

University of MN - Rochester

Farm Fest - Rochester Cambodian Association

SUSTAG Research Demonstration Event

Farm Service Agency: Loan access event

Summer of Service

 

Future plans for which we seek funding!! 

Children’s & Senior's Play Area development 

Well installation - History Center

Feasibility study for Farmer’s Market use of buildings, commercial kitchen

Jubilo Farm - Composting Toilet

Home: Contact

Donate to our cause

We need support for our operating expenses, staff wages, utilities and site improvements.

Your kindness goes a long way! As a Minnesota nonprofit, we greatly appreciate

your tax deductible donation.

Mailing address:
PO Box 7723
Rochester, MN 55903

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Current Major Supporters

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Community rocks!

  • Renewing the Countryside & USDA: Local Food Promotion Program, Minnesota Farmers' Market Hubs

  • Big River Farms, American Rescue Plan Act, USDA

  • Mayo Clinic - Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research 

  • Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation - Inclusive and Equitable Communities Fund

  • Minnesota Department of Agriculture: AGRI Demonstration SUSTAG

  • Regenerative Agriculture Alliance: MDA research support

  • University of Minnesota - SE Regional Sustainable Development Partnership

  • Sargent's Landscape and Nursery

  • Compeer Financial

  • Minnesota Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP)

  • Advanced Business Systems Inc.

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