The 250-acre Agricultural Training Center at Wilder Forest, while retaining its rich heritage as being connected with the Wilder Forest, serves as a training ground for MFA programs.
Building upon our strengths of providing training to, and with immigrants, the Center provides training opportunities for a variety of people. Persons with limited resources who are interested in farming can begin with a small plot. Those interested in producing on a market scale, while learning the “ins” and “outs” of sustainable/organic farming and farm business management can enroll in the Immigrant Agriculture Project. Enrollment is in August-November of each year with training classes during the winter and in-field learning during the growing season.
Big River Farms is the marketing arm of the Agricultural Training Program. MFA staff and the Big River Farms manager work together to provide technical assistance in the field as well as marketing opportunities. Big RIver Farms' outlets include a CSA (community supported agriculture) program and wholesale accounts with Chipotle, Cub Foods, Whole Foods, & Lunds/Byerly's.
Additionally, Big River Farms invites 1-3 interns each season to learn about organic farming methods through hands-on, practical skill-building. Interns are provided an opportunity to participate in all facets of the farm operation, while also identifying specific topics of particular interest to themselves (e.g., marketing, soil fertility, animal husbandry).
