Thank you so much for considering filling out this application!
The Emerging Farmers Working Group, established by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) 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).
The formation of this group arises from the recognition that emerging farmers face distinct challenges and opportunities within the agricultural industry. Designed to address their specific needs and concerns, the Emerging Farmers' Working Group (EFWG) seeks to ensure that the voices of farmers are heard, and their contributions to Minnesota Agriculture are acknowledged. By engaging with a diverse array of collaborators, including emerging farmers, agricultural organizations, food hubs and regenerative agriculture arena. The group aims to recommend policies and programs that directly impact farmers that also experience limited land access or limited market access. This collaborative approach enables the identification of effective strategies and solutions.
The EFWG has emerged as a crucial advocate for emerging farmers in Minnesota. By providing dedicated support and generating ideas that benefit the broader agriculture community, the group strives to create a more inclusive and supportive agricultural landscape. Regular engagement with the MDA ensures ongoing collaboration, allowing the group to contribute valuable insights and recommendations.
Please note: The Word document cannot be submitted as your application. You will need to apply through the online application. If you have any questions, please contact: Patrice.Bailey@state.mn.us.
Additional Information:
Privacy Notice: The MDA is collecting this information to assess applicant's 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.
Thanks you for your interest in becoming a member of Emerging Farmer Working Group. We look forward to receiving your application for the next EFWG class. Please read the questions below carefully and applications that are incomplete WILL NOT be considered. Good Luck!
