Farmer friends gather at Sprout

By: Fallon Ryan

On March 26th the central chapter of Sustainable Farming Association (SFA) gathered at Sprout for their annual meeting. Sprout has served as a common meeting ground for this group throughout the years, and this was a nice return to the community.

The central board used the Sprout kitchens to prepare a fantastic feast for the chapter to enjoy and reunite around the table. The food and the friends made for a great reason to wake up with the roosters and journey to Little Falls. Our bellies were filled with farm fresh food from members of the central chapter as we sat comfortably amongst our handmade wooden harvest tables. It was time to reflect on what community means and how food is a major part of developing this. It was a day of gratitude to share stories and information, talk about the upcoming harvest season, and engage in collective thought about how to build the network of SFA to support the farming community. We learned about the many events and programs the Central Chapter hosts throughout central Minnesota, the Ag and Water Quality Certification program, and the power of community.

I think the mantra of SFA sums up the sentiment of the day: "Agriculture done well, heals." We are grateful for the hardworking individuals that spend their time making sure that the best food they can produce gets to our tables. We are reminded that farmers serve us everyday and we must continue to think about ways to support them in return. Let’s eat well to be well and acknowledge eating as an agricultural act. Cheers to good food that builds our beautiful community!