Emerging Farmer Working Group Applications Closed
The applications for the Emerging Farmers Working Group closed on September 14, 2026. The MDA will review submissions and contact applicants after the selection process is complete. Selected members will serve a two-year term beginning in November 2026.
History and Purpose
The Emerging Farmers' Working Group was created in the 2020 Legislative Session.
The purpose of the working group is:
"To advise the commissioner and legislature regarding the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that support emerging farmers in this state, the commissioner must periodically convene a working group consisting, to the extent possible, of persons who are, and organizations that represent, farmers or aspiring farmers who are women, veterans, persons with disabilities, American Indian or Alaskan Natives, members of a community of color, young, and urban, and any other emerging farmers as determined by the commissioner. No later than January 15 each year, the commissioner must update the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture regarding the working group's activities and recommendations.”
Members
- Bola Adeshina, Hennepin/Ramsey County
- Caitlynn Berg, Chisago County
- Marcus Carpenter, Hennepin County
- Claire Chase, Cass County
- Laura Conard, Chippewa County
- Haley Ekstrom, Martin County
- Lori James, Ramsey County
- Cynthia Johnson, Mille Lacs County
- Angela Johnson, Washington County
- MuajLis (Molly) Larson, Mower County
- Amanda Nigon-Crowley, Olmstead County
- Michelle O'Connor, Freeborn County
- Stephanie Ray-O'Neal - Hennepin County
- Jaton White, Hennepin County
- Tim Wilson, Carver County
- Shelly Woods, Sibley County
Meeting Schedule
All meetings are held from 1 to 3 p.m. Virtual meetings are held via Microsoft Teams.
Year 7
- November 6 - Join via this Microsoft Teams link.
Meeting ID: 220 093 562 254 02
Passcode: ZT7AS7nC - February 12, 2027
- March 12, 2027
- May 14, 2027
- October 8, 2027
- November 5, 2027
