The Good Acre
The Good Acre (TGA) plays a pivotal role in the Twin Cities by supporting local vegetable farmers and expanding access to fresh, sustainably grown produce through innovative market solutions. Since its inception, TGA has prioritized economic empowerment for farmers who have historically faced barriers to viable livelihoods. By purchasing from numerous small, local farms and aggregating their produce for wholesale distribution, TGA ensures farmers receive equitable payment and gain market access they might not achieve individually.
Our commitment to sustainable agriculture is evident in our support for environmentally friendly growing practices among our partner farms. By promoting these methods, we aim to mitigate the environmental impact associated with conventional farming while enhancing the resilience of our food system.
On the consumer side, TGA strives to increase access to fresh, locally-grown produce through diverse market channels. Our LEAFF program exemplifies this commitment by supplying culturally relevant produce to hunger relief sites statewide at no cost. Our partnerships with hunger relief organizations and K-12 schools facilitate easy access to nutritious, locally sourced foods, particularly for communities facing food access challenges.
Through initiatives like our CSA program, which serves 700 households in the Twin Cities with flexible payment options, we directly connect consumers with local growers, fostering a more inclusive food system that benefits farmers and eaters alike.
TGA aims to expand its impact by developing innovative models like the spoke-to-hub partnership with incubator farms. This model streamlines logistics, reduces farmer travel, optimizes facility use, and enhances the support available to farmers through technical assistance.
To sustain and expand these efforts, TGA seeks funding from Seedlings to further develop and scale the spoke site model. This investment will strengthen our technical assistance capabilities, expand market opportunities for local farmers, and advance our mission of building a resilient, community-centered food system in the Twin Cities.