Known & Grown is a farmer-led program that provides mentorship, networking opportunities, farm-to-market assistance, and collaborations to reduce farm costs and help farmers succeed.
Farm-to-Market Assistance
We provide connections and resources for the farmers in our program and our partners in the local food industry in order to increase the amount of local food sold and served within the St. Louis region.
Farmer Advisory Committee
In 2020, Known & Grown formed a Farmer Advisory Committee (FAC) to formalize farmer leadership in program work and decision making. Our FAC consists of 10 farmers that represent the diverse range of perspectives of our entire membership.
Farmer Networking
Farmers say one of the main reasons for joining our program is that they want the opportunity to network with other like minded farmers to share resources, troubleshoot problems, and brainstorm solutions. In 2020, we started a closed Facebook group for member farmers, began hosting monthly virtual farmer meetups, and continue MCE’s tradition of hosting an annual all-farmer meeting.
Mentorship Program
In 2021, Known & Grown STL launched a Mentorship Program for beginning and traditionally disadvantaged farmers seeking to improve or expand their environmentally-responsible practices and remove barriers for successful farming. Our three mentees — MOshrooms Regenerative Microfarm, Rustic Roots Sanctuary, and Tara’s Herbs — received tailored guidance and assistance from our Farm Specialist, Chris Wimmer. We hope to relaunch this project in the future. Our goal is to pair experienced Known & Grown member farmers with mentees and to assist farmers in implementing new conservation practices on their farm.