The University of Minnesota Extension has hired Zachary Paige,
an experienced grower from Vergas, Minnesota, as a program coordinator for sustainable agriculture in northwestern Minnesota.
Paige will begin his work in January with Extension’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (RSDP). In addition to sustainability and food systems, he will provide statewide support for initiatives focusing on rural grocery stores.
“As a grower myself, I understand the challenges small-scale farmers go through,” Paige said. “I am excited to bring my years of farming, community development, and food systems experience to this new RSDP role by connecting Minnesota farmers, grocers, and others with University resources to foster thriving, resilient local economies.”
Paige also has several years of leadership experience with RSDP as a northwest regional board and working group member. His work on the board helped connect local communities with University of Minnesota expertise and supported several regional innovative sustainability projects.
Paige holds a master’s degree in plant breeding from Iowa State University and has been farming for a decade in Minnesota. Paige was the farm manager for the White Earth Land Recovery Project, where he grew diverse vegetables for the farm-to-school program and important rare indigenous seed varieties for the White Earth community, including Bear Island Flint and Ojibwe Spirit Island Corn.
Paige is the proprietor of North Circle Seeds, a certified organic vegetable and herb seed company and farm. He has taught seed-saving workshops, including hands-on trainings on his farm and with community organizations such as Hmong American Farming Association, Indigenous Seed Keepers Alliance, White Earth Tribal members, garden clubs, and more. In his spare time, he plays the klezmer clarinet and enjoys hiking, archery, and taking trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
