Kilimo
Kilimo Minnesota is an organic incubator farm dedicated to empowering emerging farmers of African descent socially and economically while fostering healing, learning, and community building among Black farmers in Minnesota. Founded by and for farmers of African descent, Kilimo provides personalized mentorship in farm financials, record keeping, organic growing practices, market navigation, and regulatory compliance. Participants gain access to farm facilities, sales aggregation services, and mentorship, preparing them to purchase their own regenerative farms upon completing the program.
In addition to training, Kilimo is vital in enhancing food access through partnerships like The Good Acre’s LEAFF program and a food hub with RTC in St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood. Kilimo farmers are crucial suppliers of East African specialty crops to local restaurants and individuals across the metro area, supporting culinary diversity and local economies.
With 35 registered farmers in 2024, predominantly Black immigrants and women, Kilimo members are active leaders in the agricultural community. Several serve on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Emerging Farmer Working Group, influencing state policies, while others work as Land Access Navigators, assisting farmers in accessing farmland and USDA resources.
Environmentally, Kilimo promotes organic agriculture to regenerate soil, support wildlife habitats, ensure clean water, reduce food miles, and sequester carbon. The farm operates in Lino Lakes and Hugo, where members rent and cultivate plots ranging from half an acre to two acres. Over a dozen Kilimo farmers have graduated to purchase their own land or lease larger plots, expanding their environmental impact across the state.
Looking ahead, Kilimo aims to grow further by hiring an operations manager to support administrative tasks and increasing the hours of part-time technical assistants (TAs). These TAs provide crucial one-on-one support to farmers, assisting with business planning, financial statements, grant applications, market access, and more. Additional funding would allow Kilimo to expand its support services, further empower its farmer members, and continue building a solid community for farmers of African descent in Minnesota.