Search Results

Searched for: certified organic
North Circle Seeds

Organic and Culturally Appropriate Seed Production in Minnesota

How Mill City Farmers Market Charitable Fund’s Next Stage Grant recipient North Circle Seeds is improving the local seed supply. By Jenny Heck If you thought we had some cold snaps in Minneapolis this season, picture yourself at North Circle Seeds farm in Detroit Lakes, about an hour west of Fargo in northern Minnesota. With temperatures…  Read More

What it means to be Certified Naturally Grown

Mike Noreen, a 13-season veteran of the Mill City Farmers Market and owner of Burning River Farm, is no stranger to the question “Are these carrots organic?” In 2006, Mike chose to certify his farm, now located 80 miles northeast of Minneapolis in Frederic, Wisconsin, as Naturally Grown rather than USDA Organic. Many customers believe…  Read More

Mhonpaj’s Garden: Inspiring Organic Gardening

Mhonpaj’s Garden is a long-time vendor at the Mill City Farmers Market. This certified-organic farm is owned by mother-daughter duo May and Mhonpaj Lee. They grow a variety of vegetables using organic practices for pest and weed management as well as practicing soil conservation, sustainable water usage and the many other things encompassed in USDA…  Read More

Organic Field Grant Program

How the market community extends beyond Saturday shopping If you’ve ever walked through the Mill City Farmers Market on a Saturday morning, you may notice there is something that distinguishes it from other shopping experiences. Not only do over 120 local farmers and artisans transform the historic train shed overlooking the Mighty Mississippi into a…  Read More

2022 Next Stage Grant Awards

Congratulations to Mill City Farmers Market’s 2022 Next Stage Grant awardees! The Next Stage Grant program provides funding to local, regenerative farmers and other food makers who are improving sustainable farming and business practices or growing toward the “next stage” of their businesses. In 2022 we awarded 10 grants totaling $63,626 to support local farmers and other vendors…  Read More

Jacque Women's Environmental Institute

More than a Farm: Women’s Environmental Institute

Founders of Women’s Environmental Institute, one of Mill City Farmers Market’s year-round vendors, share the 20-year “herstory” of the certified organic farm and orchard and it’s unique role as a non-profit in Minnesota farming. By Alia Jeraj, @aliaxgrace “We are a farm, but we are more than a farm,” says Jacque Zita, Director of Education…  Read More

2021 Next Stage Grant Awards

Congratulations to Mill City Farmers Market Charitable Fund’s 2021 Next Stage Grant awardees! The Next Stage Grant program provides funding to local, regenerative farmers and other food makers who are improving sustainable farming and business practices or growing toward the “next stage” of their businesses. In 2021 we awarded 15 grants totaling $73,415 to support…  Read More

Mhonpaj's Garden 2021

Therapy out of abundance at Mhonpaj’s Garden

Growing up on her family farm, Mill City Farmers Market vendor Mhonpaj Lee did not envision herself assuming the business from her parents, but over the years has found purpose and a fitting lifestyle for her own family continuing the legacy of Minnesota’s first Hmong-owned certified organic farm, Mhonpaj’s Garden. By Mecca Bos After her…  Read More