TWIN CITIES METRO GROWERS NETWORK

What's the Twin Cities Metro Growers Network?

We bring together growers in and around the Twin Cities who grow production-scale fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops and who seek to share knowledge, networking and collaboration. We organize farm tours, learning events and social meet-ups. Whether you grow for market, personal or community use, or want to learn what’s growing in your neighborhood, this group is for you!


The Twin Cities Metro Growers Network is a networking group of the Sustainable Farming Association, and is coordinated in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Extension in Hennepin County.


Info: Lia Spaniolo, University of Minnesota Extension, spaniolo@umn.edu

Learn about Lia here.

We want to hear from you!

To help shape our events and program offerings in 2026 and beyond, we want to hear about how you grow, your educational interests, and goals for the future.


Farmers, gardeners, ag service providers, and supportive community members are encouraged to complete the survey. Even if you haven't come to an event yet, your feedback is valuable!


After completing the survey, you will be offered the opportunity to enter into a drawing to win one of three $50 Visa gift cards.

Upcoming Events

Goats & Handcrafted Soaps
Farm Tour @ Rapha Farms

Wednesday, July 29   5:00-7:00 PM
Independence, Minn.


Come spend time with us at Rapha Farms and discover how a small dream grew into the farm it is today. During this guided tour, you’ll hear the story of how Rapha Farms began, the challenges and blessings Karen & Dave experienced along the way, and how the family continues to adjust their space, equipment, and labor as their goat milk soap business grows.


After seeing the soap-making shop, we’ll head out to the pasture where you can meet friendly goats, learn about their care, and enjoy time walking among the herd. It’s a relaxing opportunity to experience farm life, ask questions, and connect with the animals that make Rapha Farms' products possible.

Whether you’re a longtime customer or visiting for the first time, Rapha Farms would love to share their farm, story, and goats with you.


Advance registration is required. It is free to attend. Rapha Farms products will be available for purchase.


This event will be hosted at a working farm with uneven terrain. Please contact Lia Spaniolo with accessibility questions: spaniolo@umn.edu


Info: Katie Feterl, katie@sfa-mn.org


This event is funded through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture AGRI Urban Agriculture grant.


Blog posts

Urban Roots Farm Tour and Soil Discussion

By SFA of MN • October 23, 2023
Twin Cities Metro Growers Network event, September 11, 2023 Writing and photos by Lia Spaniolo, University of Minnesota Extension Educator “Prepping the beds” and “harvesting” are Nana’s and Malachi’s responses when asked about their favorite farming activity on the farm. They both are youth interns who work at Urban Roots, a non-profit organization based on… The post Urban Roots Farm Tour and Soil Discussion appeared first on Sustainable Farming Association.

TC Growers Farm Tour is Sept. 11 at Urban Roots Rivoli Bluffs Farm

By SFA of MN • August 30, 2023
Join us for an educational tour and reunite with the Twin Cities Metro Growers Network for our last event of 2023, set for 3:30-6 p.m. Mon., Sept. 11, at Urban Roots Rivoli Bluffs Farm, 749 Arkwright St, St. Paul. Take a guided walking tour and learn from Market Garden Farm Manager Skyler Hawkins and youth… The post TC Growers Farm Tour is Sept. 11 at Urban Roots Rivoli Bluffs Farm appeared first on Sustainable Farming Association.

Networking Groups Welcome Lia Spaniolo

By SFA of MN • July 24, 2023
SFA is pleased to welcome Lia Spaniolo from the University of Minnesota Extension as our collaborator in coordinating two of our networking groups! Lia will work with us to co-lead the Twin Cities Metro Growers Network and Ecological Service Livestock Network. Keep a look out for events this fall with both networks. And, a special… The post Networking Groups Welcome Lia Spaniolo appeared first on Sustainable Farming Association.

Kernza Ale Taste & Tour

By SFA of MN • March 15, 2023
Enjoy a brew and take a tour with your friends at the Twin Cities Metro Growers Network at Finnegans! Join the TC Growers on a brewery tour featuring Finnegans’ new Buckwheat Honey Brown Kernza Ale on Thursday, March 30, 4:30-7:30 PM. Minnesota farmers and researchers are at the forefront of developing Kernza, a perennial wheatgrass with… The post Kernza Ale Taste & Tour appeared first on Sustainable Farming Association.

Two great educational videos from UM Extension Horticulturist Natalie Hoidal:

Soil Health On A Small Scale: Cover Crops for Gardeners

Testing for lead in a garden:

Urban Farming Resources

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