FAARM forward
June 6, 2022
CFANS is leading the exploration and development of an advanced agricultural research complex in Mower County. Through a public-private partnership with the U of M, elected officials, and private sector leaders, this integrated complex — known as the Future of Advanced Agricultural Research in Minnesota (FAARM) — would include world-class facilities, as well as several hundred acres of fields and land to further support its mission. FAARM is a bold vision for innovative research and workforce development in Minnesota that will address an important market need, helping farmers and industry meet this crucial moment in sustainable food production.
From farm to fork, this complex will be a state-of-the-art teaching and research hub. It will propel vital discoveries and further establish Minnesota as a global catalyst and leader in food and agriculture innovation, advancing the state’s $112 billion economic impact in these sectors.
FAARM will deliver practical solutions for today and forward-looking ideas for tomorrow with the help of cutting-edge technology and tools, including predictive analytics, big data, robotics and artificial intelligence. Educating students on these modern approaches to agriculture will ensure a continued talent pipeline is prepared to become Minnesota’s next generation of tech-savvy food and agriculture professionals.
Through a collaboration with Riverland Community College, in Austin, Minn., FAARM also envisions providing a range of educational offerings for learners of all ages — K-12, post-secondary technical and associate degrees, baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and outreach education to the broader public.
“As progressive agriculturalists and U of M alumni, Myah Walker and I believe FAARM presents a transformational opportunity for Minnesota,” said Pat Duncanson in a letter to the Mankato Free Press. “It will expand our state’s ability to lead on emerging disciplines in the agriculture industry. It will support existing and emerging researchers, farmers, and entrepreneurs. It will be a life-changing economic catalyst.”
Myah Walker, BS ‘10 animal science, MPH ‘14 School of Public Health, is the director of quality for Sparboe Farms in Litchfield. Pat Duncanson, BA ‘83 agricultural business administration, is a partner at Highland Family Farms of Mapleton.
