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August 29, 2025

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Emerging Farmers’ Working Group (EFWG) has openings for seven volunteer members for two-year terms. Minnesotans interested in enhancing opportunities for new and emerging farmers to create or sustain an agricultural business are encouraged to apply today. 

“The work of the Emerging Farmers’ Working Group is important in helping identify barriers to entering farming and creating resources to support new and emerging farmers in our state,” said Assistant MDA Commissioner Patrice Bailey. “We continue to build out our Emerging Farmers Office and its programs.”

Everyone is welcome to apply. The MDA is particularly interested in the following perspectives:

  • Women
  • Veterans
  • Persons with a disability/disabilities
  • American Indian/Alaska Native
  • Member of a community of color
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Young (35 years old and under)
  • Urban (reside in cities with 5k+ population)

The portal to apply for EFWG membership will close at 11 p.m. on September 12, 2025. The MDA website has the membership application and more information on the EFWG page. Email your questions to the Emerging Farmer Office at mda.emerging.farmers@state.mn.us.

Thank you to our current and departing members for your participation.

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Media Contact

Larry Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6629
larry.schumacher@state.mn.us 

Farm Safety Working Group, September 2025

Starts:
Mon, 09/8/2025 - 2:30 pm
Ends:
Mon, 09/8/2025 - 3:30 pm
MDA is a:
Sponsor
Presenter
MDA Contact:
Susan VonBank
Susan.VonBank@state.mn.us
651-201-6603

Details:

The Minnesota Farm Safety Working Group (FSWG) is an informal collaboration between state agencies, colleges and universities, agricultural organizations, farm safety advocates, private companies, and labor and safety groups.

The FSWG's goal is to improve safety and health in agriculture by providing a platform to discuss related issues, connect organizations working to enhance farm safety and health, and coordinate efforts to make farming safer statewide.

Contact us for meeting details.

Feast! Local Foods Marketplace 2025

Starts:
Sat, 11/1/2025 - 10:00 am
Ends:
Sat, 11/1/2025 - 4:00 pm
Location:
Mayo Civic Center
30 Civic Center Dr SE
Rochester, MN 55904
MDA is a:
Sponsor
Link:
FEAST! Local Foods Network
MDA Contact:
Brian Erickson
Brian.J.Erickson@state.mn.us
612-246-5149

Erika Camplin
Erika.Camplin@state.mn.us
651-201-6257

Details:

Support local farmers and food-makers at this year's Feast! Local Foods Festival. Sample artisan-crafted products, stock up on your favorites, and find fantastic gifts for the foodies in your life. Don't miss the cooking demonstrations, kids' activities, music, and prizes that make this one-day nonprofit event the place to be.

The FEAST! Local Foods Network is a partnership of many organizations, businesses, and individuals committed to growing a sustainable, local, and regional food system which encourages innovation.