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.

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

• The Hormel Foundation pledged $60 million in support of FAARM (2022)
• The University has acquired more than 1,300 acres in Mower County
• As part of the University capital planning process, CFANS conducted a feasibility study that was completed in May 2021, and a predesign report that was completed in March 2025. The predesign process included input from stakeholders inside and outside the University including U of M and Riverland Community College faculty, staff, industry partners and other important project constituents.