About Us

History

The St. Joseph Farmers’ Market is unique among farmers’ markets. Where most are started by producers, ours was started by two members of the community. Angeline Dufner taught in the English Department at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University for 36 years. Sister Phyllis Plantenberg taught in the Biology Department and founded the Common Ground project with fresh, chemical-free vegetables at St. Benedict’s Monastery.

Sister Phyllis and Angeline began exploring the idea for a farmers’ market in the late 1990s. Eventually, the idea motivated many people to organize and to seek interested growers in the area.

The St. Joseph Farmers’ Market opened in 2000 and was one of the first farmers’ markets in central Minnesota.

Goals

The farmers’ market supports fresh, healthy food for local consumers, gives local producers direct contact with their neighbors and buyers, and builds community. In selecting vendors, we give priority to farmers and producers within a 30-mile radius who bring products to market that are 100% grown, harvested or made on land they own and/or operate.

Board of Directors

Producer members: Shelly Carlson (President)

Robin Heinen (Vice President)

Chris Montan (Treasurer)

Randy Maile

Community Members: Anthony Adams

Pia Lopez (Secretary)

Kyle Rauch

Linda Saupe