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The Emerging Farmers' Working Group (EFWG), established by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture during the 2020 legislative session (Chapter 89 Section 2 [17.055]), embodies the department's commitment to uplift and empower emerging farmers in Minnesota. The group's definition of emerging farmers encompasses a range of identities, including women, veterans, persons with disabilities, American Indian or Alaskan Natives, members of a community of color, young (35 and younger) farmers, Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals, urban (reside in cities with a population over 5,000), and others as determined by the Commissioner or Designee. This definition reflects the department's intention to foster inclusivity and equity within the agricultural sector.

The EFWG is going into its 7th year of supporting farmers who face unique opportunities and challenges as they begin their agricultural journey in Minnesota.

Over the years, this group has learned that meeting farmers where they are is key in addressing their needs and building a stronger agricultural community. The EFWG brings together emerging farmers, agricultural organizations, community leaders, and subject matter experts to ensure emerging farmers' voices are heard and reflected in policies and programs that directly impact their success. Through collaboration and partnership, the group works to identify practical solutions and create a more inclusive and supportive agricultural landscape for the next generation of Minnesota farmers. As part of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the EFWG continues to contribute valuable insights and recommendations that help strengthen pathways into agriculture for emerging farmers across the state.

Application instruction and criteria

In this section, you will find information about eligibility and the criteria we use to review applications and select members. Emerging Farmer' Working Group members serve a mandatory two-year term beginning in November 2026 and ending in May 2028. Members receive a small stipend for their participation, although acceptance of the stipend is optional. Working group meetings are held virtually using Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

We are looking for individuals who can help the MDA identify and address barriers facing people interested in entering all areas of agriculture. Applications will be accepted from August 17 through September 14, 2026 at 11 p.m.. Applications must be completed online and submitted in full. Please read and answer questions honestly and accurately, incomplete applications will not be accepted.

REFERENCES

Please provide two references and describe how each person knows you. If you are selected as a finalist, your references may be contacted for a brief conversation with a member of our team to discuss your leadership and agriculture experience.

Your references should be individuals who can speak to your leadership abilities and/or potential and should include:

  1. One person who has led you (e.g., friend, farmer, work, supervisor, mentor)
  2. One person you have led in group setting or been in a class or certification opportunity with

If you have any questions, contact Assistant Commissioner, Patrice Bailey: Patrice.Bailey@state.mn.us

Good Luck!
 

Do you identify as any of the following (Check all that apply):
Do you consider yourself (Check all that apply):
Information

The Emerging Farmers’ Working Group will meet throughout the year. The meetings for the seventh year of the Working Group are as follows:

  • November 6, 2026
  • January 8, 2027
  • February 12, 2027
  • March 12, 2027
  • May 14, 2027
  • October 8, 2027
  • November 5, 2027

Please answer the following questions:

Will you be able to attend all the meetings?
Have you attended any of the Emerging Farmer Listening Sessions or the Emerging Farmers’ Working Group meetings in the past?
Would you like to be added to the Emerging Farmers’ email listserv to receive updates related to emerging farmers (e.g. new programs, funding opportunities)?

Why do you want to be a part of the Emerging Farmers’ Working Group? (500 characters)

Please describe your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by emerging farmers within Minnesota's agricultural industry and provide specific examples or experiences that highlight these challenges? (700 characters)

Describe your experience working in diverse and collaborative environments and your comfortability with sharing diverse perspectives and engaging in constructive discussions? (500 characters)

How do you see your role within the group advocating for the needs and interests of emerging farmers and community, what tangible outcomes do you hope to achieve through your participation in the group? (800 characters)

How do you envision yourself participating on the Emerging Farmers Working Group's role in making recommendations, policies and programs that support emerging farmers? (300 characters)

As we enter the seventh year of the EFWG's existence, we recognize the growing importance of member engagement in disseminating information across their networks and championing causes at the state capitol. This involves a comprehensive learning process spanning various domains, such as understanding the intricacies of MDA operations, grasping the nuances of state dynamics, and fostering connections within community groups. As a valued member of the EFWG, your active participation in various learning opportunities will be expected. Are you open to the prospect of embracing a wide spectrum of perspectives and insights that stem from the diverse experiences within the emerging farmer community? (800 characters)

Enhancing in-person engagement

As we approach the seventh year of the working group's operation, we are considering in-person meetings. Our aim is to hold these gatherings in the home communities of our Working Group members. This approach may involve the request for you to host a meeting. Ideally, the meeting could take place at a public library, school, or a similar venue equipped with high-speed internet. Additionally, the agenda could encompass activities like a local emerging farmer’s farm tour and visits to other vital agricultural sites in the area. We also anticipate inviting local emerging farmers and leaders to the meetings, with dedicated time allocated for listening sessions. It's important to note that these in-person meetings would necessitate travel to the chosen location. Are you available to participate in these meetings and possibly take on the role of a host, which entails finding a location that has Wi-Fi, and a room that we can conduct meeting?

Additional Information

Privacy Notice: The MDA is collecting this information to assess applicants’ suitability and qualifications to serve on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Emerging Farmers’ Working Group. The information applicants provide will be used by MDA staff to select members of the Working Group. Your decision to complete this application is voluntary and you are under no legal obligation to provide any of the requested information. However, only applicants that fully complete the application will be considered for a position on the Working Group.

Some data provided in this application is classified by Minnesota law as private data. Private data on individuals is legally accessible only to MDA staff that require access as part of a valid work assignment, the individual that is the subject of the data, any party legally authorized by the data subject or in a valid court order or federal subpoena, and those parties authorized by Minnesota or federal law, including the State Auditor, Legislative Auditor, Minnesota Management and Budget, and in some cases law enforcement agencies and the Office of the Attorney General.