Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals:

1. environmental stewardship,
2. farm profitability, and
3. prosperous farming communities.

These goals have been defined by a variety of disciplines and may be looked at from the vantage point of the farmer or the consumer.

The Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Program (ESAP) 
ESAP was established in 1987 in response to concerns over the impact of conventional agricultural practices on farm profitability, health and the environment. The purpose of the program is to demonstrate and promote alternative practices which are energy efficient, environmentally sound, profitable and which enhance the self-sufficiency of Minnesota farmers. ESAP includes these programs:

• Demonstration Grants **Note: Grant funds are not available for the 2012-2013 growing season.**
  • Field Days, Workshops and Speakers
  • On-Farm Research
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Organic Farming
• Shared Savings and Loan Program

Publications (free of charge)

• Assessing The Soil System (PDF: 635 KB / 71 pages)
• Conservation Funding Guide (on-line)
• Greenbook
• The Status of Organic Agriculture

MDA Contact

Mary Hanks, Acting Director
Mary.Hanks@state.mn.us, 651-201-6277

Jeanne Ciborowski, Integrated Pest Management
Jeanne.Ciborowski@state.mn.us, 651-201-6217

Alison Fish, Office and Administrative Specialist
Alison.Fish@state.mn.us, 651-201-6686

Wayne Monsen, Grazing Specialist and Loan Coordinator
 Wayne.Monsen@state.mn.us, 651-201-6260

Meg Moynihan, Organic and Agricultural Diversification
Meg.Moynihan@state.mn.us, 651-201-6616

Mark Zumwinkle, On-Farm Research Projects
 Mark.Zumwinkle@state.mn.us, 651-201-6240