Published on 2024-08-29 by mclau560
Forever Green’s goal of lifting up farmers, improving soil health and protecting water quality through continuous living cover is only achievable through teamwork. It's a long-distance relay race.
Researchers on the University of Minnesota campus might take the first steps off the starting block. But successfully developing a new crop — and the market to support it — requires a series of successful handoffs, from one runner to the next, until the finish line comes into view.
One of the vital links in this relay is local businesses. Those who want to make a difference for not just their customers, but also for communities, waters and growers across the state.
A new series from Michelle Sharp at Meet the Minnesota Makers spotlights some of these individuals, who are using ingenuity, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit to lift up continuous living cover cropping systems.
“When you buy products like the Marvel Naan from St. Cloud’s Artisan Naan Bakery, Kernza Cinnamon Pancake Mix from Sturdiwheat or a CSA from Perennial Pantry, you provide a stable marketplace for your local farmers,” writes Sharp, in a story about Forever Green’s work. “You also support a local maker, who purchases from local mills and farms, who follows more sustainable agricultural choices, which makes for healthier soil and water for everyone.”
Here are links to each of the special feature stories:
Artisan Naan Bakery: Bringing a More Sustainable Bread to Your Table
Why Kernza Crackers Matter: Perennial Pantry's Quest for the Home Cook
River Rock Kitchen & Baking Co Keeps it Local in St. Peter
Simple, Clean, and Local: Sturdiwheat Mixes Keep it Simple
Beth Dooley: Cooking Perennially to Bring Sustainable Change
You can also explore the entire Meet the Minnesota Makers series celebrating sustainability focused businesses, by clicking on the links included in the final section of this story.
Forever Green is thrilled to see these businesses grow and succeed — and can't wait to see the exciting new things that come next.