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Find out about a new opportunity to support Farm to School in Minnesota. During this webinar, we’ll introduce PARSNIP (Pilot to Accelerate Regional Support for Nutrition at Institutions from Producers) and explain the Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

This RFP calls for proposals from organizations to develop a regional farm to school coordination pilot project and provide recommendations to the MDA and partners about models and approaches for future regional Farm to School support in Minnesota.

During the webinar, participants can submit questions that will be answered by email afterward. We must receive all questions about the RFP by Friday, October 30 at 4:00 p.m. to be answered as part of this process.

To receive a copy of the Request for Proposals or submit a question about the RFP, email Helen Schnoes at helen.schnoes@state.mn.us.

Final proposals are due Friday, November 13 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time to Emily Jerve, emily.jerve@state.mn.us.

Join Regional Specialist Toni Dauwalter for this quick workshop to learn how to access over 400 dynamic lessons on Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom's (MAITC) Curriculum Matrix.

You'll learn how to create a "My Binder" so you can save the lessons you like, and visit the Ag Classroom Store to find out how to get lesson materials all in one place. This workshop is for K-12 teachers.

Learn more about these resources and others in the MAITC Educator Center.

Find out more about economic opportunities in the agriculture industry, what employers are doing to attract talent, and how state agencies can assist farmers, employers, and workers in the community. Hear stories from Minnesota immigrant and refugee farmers and updates from partner organization who have provided support during this past year. The MDA is excited to participate in this event organized by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

This event will be held using Microsoft Teams. If you can't use the link above, you can join by phone:
Call-in number: 323-849-4874
Conference ID: 739 405 026#

More information is in this attached flyer (PDF)

Minnesota Africans United, in partnership with Global Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, is hosting this webinar focused on empowering trade with Africa through agriculture. Hear stories of current African entrepreneurs farming in Minnesota and working to provide healthy and safe food to the community while advancing economic prosperity. Find out more about resources available to support farmers in Minnesota and Africa. Learn about the opportunities and challenges of farming and investing in African agriculture from a visiting guest from Cameroon.

The University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative invites manufacturers, food entrepreneurs, farmers, policy professionals, and the public to a Winter Annual Oilseeds Field Day event at the Rosemount Research and Outreach Center. At this event, attendees will learn about the latest research and development updates on pennycress and winter camelina, two exciting new crops which have the potential to transform the food, fuel and feed industries in the upper Midwest.

Pennycress and winter camelina, both winter annual oilseeds, have great potential for use as a cash cover crop to protect soil and water while providing economic benefits to farmers in the upper Midwest. Rapid advancements in pennycress and camelina genetics and breeding have allowed researchers to identify a wide range of end-uses, including healthy edible oils, novel plant proteins, biodegradable packaging materials, lubricants, biofuels, and animal feed. All of these products equate to additional economic opportunities for Midwest farmers. Oilseeds fit well behind short season crops such as silage corn, sunflower, and spring wheat. As the seedlings grow in the autumn, they protect the soil surface from erosion caused by high winds, intense rains, or snow melt. Additionally, the plants absorb soil nutrients, helping to eliminate nitrate and phosphorus contamination of ground and surface waters. Ultimately, the addition of these crops to upper Midwest farmland will assist in keeping well water safe for drinking and improve the quality of water in our wetlands, streams, rivers, and lakes.

The Winter Annual Oilseed Field Day will highlight current research and work underway to launch pennycress and winter camelina into Minnesota’s agricultural landscape. Visitors will see winter camelina growing in the field and learn from UMN agronomists about best production practices with this crop. The Forever Green Initiative Commercialization Team, Constance Carlson and Colin Cureton will discuss the many potential opportunities for end-uses of pennycress and camelina. Kent Cavender-Barres of Rowbot Technologies LLC will discuss opportunities for new robotic technologies to interseed oilseed crops. Finally, attendees will have the ability to participate in round-table discussions with each of our experts after their presentations.

Attendees should arrive between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM on June 11th to check in. A lunch (vegetarian option available) will be served from 11:30-12 PM. Presentations will begin at 12 PM, followed by a round table discussion from 1-2:30 PM. The event will be held rain or shine. All attendees are requested to register as early as possible prior to June 11. Space for the event is limited. For more information and disability accommodations, contact Katie Black at 701-400-9486 or e-mail her at black807@umn.edu.

Come join us and learn about what is happening in barley research at the University of Minnesota. There will also be a sneak preview of the new hop yard on campus. This event will allow you to hear from UM barley scientists, see research plots, and participate in hands on activities. All followed by delicious barley (and other) refreshments and a chance to socialize.