This free event brings together rural faith leaders to discuss, learn, and share suicide prevention information and resources. The conference includes two panel discussions focused on helping faith communities position themselves to be communities of hope, healing, and support.

Who should attend? Rural clergy, spiritual and faith leaders including chaplains, elders, deacons, sisters, youth pastors, parish nurses, church board members, church staff, and congregational suicide prevention advocates.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is gathering ideas as we consider the state’s next biennial budget, and we want your input. Farmers, food businesses, and others impacted by food and agriculture systems are all invited to share policy, funding, and program suggestions.

The MDA is hosting two virtual public input sessions where people can share their ideas directly, in addition to an online form for written submissions open through September 15, 2022.

The two sessions will take place on Zoom. Participation is free, but registration is required. The sessions are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, September 7 2022, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Register for this event.
• Thursday, September 8, 2022, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Register for this event.

The Minnesota Legislature appropriates funds for the MDA and related agricultural activities through a two-year budget bill that is part of the state’s overall government funding.

State budgets are set in legislative sessions that take place in odd-numbered years and are sometimes revised during sessions in even-numbered years. The next legislative session begins on January 3, 2023 and will determine the next two-year state budget.

Information about the MDA’s mission, leadership, and responsibilities is available on our website.