Commons Cohort Program (Farmer Land Access)

Commons Cohort Program

An innovative land access solution providing long-term farmland agreements for emerging farmers. Sharing Our Roots Farm operates as a farmland commons stewarded by the community, offering immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and emerging farmers access to shared farming infrastructure, equipment, and knowledge.

Geographic Scope

• Northfield, Minnesota
• Serves Dakota and Rice Counties
• Farmland capacity: 0.25-1.5 acres per crop farmer (subject to availability)

Eligibility

• Immigrant farmers
• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) farmers
• LGBTQ+ farmers
• Emerging/new farmers

Program Focus

• Foster growth of new farm operations
• Improve food sovereignty
• Model coexistence of conservation and agriculture
• Provide commons-based farming approach

Shared Resources Provided

• Infrastructure: Barns, pack shed, irrigation systems
• Equipment: Tools, tractors, shared machinery
• Knowledge: Farming practices and collaborative learning
• Governance: Communal decision-making on expectations, priorities, and procedures

Program Structure

• Land agreements begin January (following November application deadline)
• Limited farmland availability each season
• Land allocation based on:
  • Current availability
  • Alignment with community needs
  • Farm infrastructure capacity

Certification Requirements

• Certified organic farm
• All inputs (seeds, fertilizers, compost) must be organic

What They Don't Fund

• Sharing Our Roots Farm is NOT a formal farmer training program
• For those unable to be accommodated, they provide referrals to regional partners and training resources

Contact Information

• Address: 4905 315th St. W, Northfield, MN 55057
• Farm Phone: (507) 323-5587
• Office Phone: (507) 323-5588
• Farmer Cohort Facilitator: Lucia Possehl (lucia@sharing-our-roots.org)

Organization Background

• 501(c)3 non-profit
• Serves 200+ immigrant, BIPOC, & LGBTQ+ farmers and gardeners
• Community-supported through donations
• Mission to heal lands and prepare emerging farmers

Application Process

Step 1: Review the Cohort Program Overview and Sharing Our Roots website

Step 2 (Optional): Visit the farm to get a feel for the land and community

• Attend public farm tours (check calendar for dates)
• Request private farm walk with team member
• Email lucia@sharing-our-roots.org to schedule a visit
• Optional but recommended

Step 3: Complete application by November 13th using one of three methods:

• Online form - Submit via the website
• Printed application - Mail to:
  • Sharing Our Roots Farm
  • C/O Lucia Possehl
  • 4905 315th St. W.
  • Northfield, MN 55057
• Interview-style application - Email lucia@sharing-our-roots.org to schedule an appointment

Step 4: Await contact from Farmer Cohort Facilitator

• Team will reach out with any questions
• Facilitator will provide next steps and timeline

Application Materials Available

• Available in 5 languages:
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Swahili
  • Somali
  • Hmong (Mien)
• Interview option available
• Printed form option available
• Online form option available

Required Information

• Personal and farm operation details (not specified in detail)
• Farm experience and background
• Farming goals and vision
• Resource needs
• Alignment with SOR values and mission

Contact for Questions

• Lucia Possehl, Farmer Cohort Facilitator
• Email: lucia@sharing-our-roots.org
• Can also connect applicants with current farmers for peer conversation

Important Notes

• Deadline: November 13th at 11:59 PM
• Land agreements begin January (following application year)
• Limited farmland capacity - not all applicants can be accommodated
• If unable to meet immediate needs, referrals to regional partners provided