CERTIFICATIONS &
ASSOCIATIONS
We are actively working with our local community to give you better service and support.
MINNESOTA GROWN CERTIFIED
We have contributed to the program for many years and are active members. Through our CSA Share program, we helped to create a bridge for MN Breweries who use local ingredients to be MN Grown certified!
We also helped encourage expansion of their online CSA Pick-up Site search engine. We are so happy to see this resource continue to develop and grow, as it benefits everyone in the community.
We have actually used it ourselves when searching for fun family activities to do with our kiddos!
SUSTAINABLE FARMING ASSOCIATION
Participating in the SFA is a pleasure as they provide many farmer education opportunities surrounding soil health, post-harvest practices and many specialty workshops.
Every year we enjoy attending the SFA Annual Conference and networking with farmer-colleagues while learning!
MN AGricultural water quality certified
We went through the process to be certified by the State of Minnesota in 2023. It included soil tests and a lot of other data collection and analyzing.
"The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water. Those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices will be certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty for a period of ten years."
CAER
COmmunity Aide elk river
We donate produce to the Food Shelf all season long. When CSA Share members are out of town, they have the option of donating their share directly to the food shelf that week.
In 2021 we donated 4,281 pounds
In 2022 we donated 5,848 pounds
In 2023 we donated 8,279 pounds
So in the last 3 years alone we have donated 18,408 pounds of fresh produce to the food shelf!
Check out the article they wrote about us and published in the paper.
MEMBERS OF THE MINNESOTA FARMERS UNION
We have contributed for as long as I can remember to the MN Farmer's Union. We support their mission to help farmers and local communities alike.
"The Farmers Union is a grassroots, member-driven organization working for family farmers and rural communities. We believe in fair farm and rural policy that guarantees a safe and abundant food supply, provides family farmers with fair prices for their labor, and revitalizes rural Minnesota."
MN SOIL HEALTH COALITION
We are contributing members and support their work in helping MN farmers understand their soil and how to manage their nutrients.
"The Minnesota Soil Health Coalition's purpose is to help farmers implement Soil Health practices and understand the importance of a producer-driven, producer-led Soil Health. Here to provide information, support, and networking."
second harvest heartland
We are donating partners to the Second Harvest Heartland program called “Farm to Food shelf". This is a nationwide effort to make the connection between the farmers and potential consumers. They are unique because they drive trucks around and collect donations throughout the metro. In the hustle & bustle of the season we really appreciate the convenience they offer us.
In Minnesota, they collect fresh produce from farmers like us and deliver it to a central food bank, where it is distributed throughout our entire state's food shelf system.
We are always striving to make more connections!
I will update this page as much as possible, but if you have questions or would like to bring any group or potential partnership to our attention please feel free to reach out via email to Jodi@brownfamilyproduce.com