The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) works with Minnesota food and beverage companies on business and market development. Our goal is to increase the use of Minnesota agricultural ingredients, create and protect jobs, and promote economic development in Minnesota’s agriculture and food sectors.

Five Minnesota entrepreneurs at Natural Products Expo
Three award winners at Specialty Foods Association

We offer different kinds of support:

Starting a Food Business Roadmap

The MDA and a group of partners from across the Minnesota food community created this tool and reference guide to help you plan for and become a successful food entrepreneur.

Learn more by visiting our Starting a Food Business Roadmap page.

Cost-Share Program

This program shares certain costs for promoting Minnesota-made foods, beverages, and ingredients at industry tradeshows or for sampling products in stores.

Learn more and apply at our Cost-Share Program page.

Minnesota Pavilions

The MDA offers discounted space and promotional and logistical support to Minnesota food and beverage companies at select business-to-business (B2B) tradeshows. Participating in a Minnesota Pavilion is a way to reduce costs, enhance visibility, and gain a competitive advantage at these crowded events.

Learn more and apply at our Minnesota Pavilions page.