The Future of Advanced Agricultural Research in Minnesota (FAARM)

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.

One health diagram showing: Animal health, soil/water health, crop health, human health and ecosystem health

FAARM's vision

To be the world’s most integrated, advanced food and agricultural complex with a “one health” approach, a nexus for pioneering research, and a convening space for the public, universities, the private sector, and government.

Learn more about the vision for FAARM (.pdf)

Integrated innovation and instruction

This modern complex, together with our place-based work in our Research and Outreach Centers around the state, will be the foundation for Minnesota to re-establish international leadership in food and agricultural research when our state and the world have never needed it more. The farm complex will:

  • Enable research advancing every element of the health intersections between people, animals, crops, plants, soil, water, and environment
  • Support innovation and sustainability in Minnesota's cropping, poultry, dairy and swine production systems
  • Bring together researchers, instructors, and industry together to focus on all aspects of agriculture and food systems
  • Provide a range of educational offerings for learners of all ages, from K-12 to post-secondary technical and associate degrees, to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and outreach education to the broader public.
  • Strengthen Minnesota agriculture and expand, develop, and retain agricultural and food system talent in rural communities and agribusiness

Where we are today

Chart of FAARM timeline progress