Dedicated to the farming families of Minnesota. Their innovation, cooperation, and persistence are creating a more sustainable agriculture.

The Greenbook (1999-2010, listed on the left) contains articles that highlight project results of creative and innovative farmers and researchers involved with the Sustainable Agriculture On-farm Demonstration Grant Program. The Greenbook provides practical and technical information on each grantee's project including personal observations and management tips from the participants.

Steve Poppe is a scientist at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris. As part of his 2009-2011 Sustainable Agricultural Grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Steve looked to eliminate fungicide use while growing raspberries. Watch this video clip to hear about his results to date.

Ron Branch is owner of Berry Ridge Farm in Alexandria. He is working in conjunction with Steve Poppe to examine the effectiveness of extending the growing season of raspberries using high tunnels. In this video, Ron speaks about the needs of raspberry plants in a high tunnel.

Erik Gundacker is using high tunnels to grow blackberries at his Scenic Valley Farms in Rosemount. Erik was awarded a Sustainable Agricultural Grant for the 2009-2011 growing seasons. Watch this video to learn about the winter protection needed to grow blackberries in Minnesota.

Energy & Sustainable Agriculture Program Vision Statement

Agriculture in Minnesota will be based on dynamic, flexible farming systems that are profitable, efficient, productive and founded on ethics of land stewardship and responsibility for the continuing vitality of local rural communities. Minnesotans will strive to understand and respect the complex interconnectedness of living systems, from soil to people, so as to protect and enhance all natural resources for future generations. Minnesota agriculture will sustain an abundance of food and other products as well as meaningful, self directed employment that supports the quality of life desired by farmers and rural communities. Agriculture will foster diversity in all its forms of production, products, markets and cultures.

Energy & Sustainable Agriculture Program Mission Statement

To work toward the goal of sustainability for Minnesota agriculture by designing and implementing programs that meet the identified needs and support the creativity of Minnesota farmers.

MDA Contact

Alison Fish
Alison.Fish@state.mn.us, 651-201-6012
Ag Marketing & Development Division