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.๏ปฟ

Upcoming Events

Solar Farm Stand Ribbon Cutting
and tours @ Farm at the Arb

Tuesday, August 18   3:00-5:00 PM
Chanhassen, Minn.


Visit the Farm at the Arb and see the unveiling of a solar farm stand and off-grid cooler prototype, a project of the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP)! This event includes guided tours of the Farm at the Arb, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and an opportunity to learn how this project is helping Minnesota specialty crop growers improve product quality, reduce food waste, and expand direct-to-consumer sales.


Join us for an afternoon featuring:

  • Guided tours of the Farm at the Arb and their apprenticeship program (3:00-4:15 PM)
  • A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Solar Farm Stand and Off-Grid Cooler (4:15 PM)
  • Presentations from University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and Farm at the Arb


Registration: Advance registration is required. Register early, the event is limited to 60 people. It is free to attend! Click here to register on the University of Minnesota's website.


Optional Pizza Night: Following the event, attendees are welcome to stay for the Arboretum's Pizza Night with music, beginning at 5:00 PM. Please note that pizza reservations must be made in advance through the Arboretum and are separate from this event. Click here to order your pizza.  If you are planning to come to the farm stand event, you only need to "Order your Pizza" as the ribbon cutting covers general admission.


Accessibility: 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 in part by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture AGRI Urban Agriculture grant.


Click here to download an event flyer.

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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