Pests, such as insects, weeds, and pathogens, can be found almost everywhere and often need to be managed.
February 21, 2023
Six Minnesota grocers who promote locally grown and produced products have been named a 2023 Retailer of the Year by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Minnesota Grown program, in partnership with the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA).
This year’s winners include:
- Northwest: Lueken’s Village Foods, Bemidji
- Northeast: Chris’ Food Center, Sandstone
- West Central: Pine River Family Market, Pine River
- Southwest: Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Waconia
- Twin Cities: Kowalski’s, White Bear Lake
- People’s Choice: Knowlan’s Supermarket, Maplewood
“We thank these grocers and their employees for their leadership in highlighting locally grown foods for their customers,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Minnesota-grown products are essential in providing fresh and nutritious foods to communities across the state.”
MDA and MGA staff will be presenting the awards in-person at a MGA event this spring, and will be conducting a Retailer of the Year tour to visit each of the winning stores. The retailers in their respective regions will receive a commemorative plaque, exclusive rights to use the “Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year 2023” logo in their ads and displays, as well as recognition amongst retailers and consumers that they are champions of all things local.
Judging was based on several factors, including the number of Minnesota Grown products and the number of Minnesota Grown farmers and producers that the grocer carried. Judges also looked at how the grocer used ads, displays, social media, and other events to promote Minnesota Grown items to customers.
“Grocers are the foundation of the communities they serve and are incredibly proud of our innovative local partnerships from farm to fork,” said MGA President Jamie Pfuhl. “The success of the Minnesota Grown program is driven by the exceptional efforts of all in the food industry. We are proud to play a role in this collective effort that showcases and celebrates innovative partnerships and brings wonderful local products to our customers.”
The 2023-2024 contest opens on August 1, 2023, and runs through September 30, 2023. Information about how to participate is available on the Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year webpage.
The Minnesota Grown Program is a statewide partnership between the MDA and Minnesota producers of specialty crops and livestock. It was created over 30 years ago by specialty crop growers to differentiate their produce from produce grown thousands of miles away.
The Minnesota Grocers Association is the only state trade association that represents the food industry of Minnesota from farm to fork. It has served the industry for over 125 years, with over 300 retail, manufacturer, and wholesale members supporting nearly 1,300 locations statewide. MGA member companies employ over 150,000 union and non-union Minnesotans. It actively advances the common interest of all those engaged in any aspect of the food industry as a leader and advocate in government affairs.
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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
Covering the Cost of Conservation
Starts:
Thu, 03/9/2023 - 12:00 pm
Ends:
Thu, 03/9/2023 - 1:00 pm
MDA is a:
Presenter
Link:
External Contact:
Details:
If you are a farmer or landowner looking to learn about financial resources available to start or continue conservation practices on your land, join the Cannon River Agricultural Collaborative for the free online webinar "Covering the Cost of Conservation".
At this meeting, diverse agricultural conservation professionals will provide information on programs and incentives that are available to assist you with implementing cover crops and other farm conservation practices.
Program Includes:
- Teddy Moreno Santos from Steele County NRCS
- Kourtney Hammerschmidt from Rice County SWCD
- Jessica Jurcek from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Herman Bartsch from Cottonwood SWCD addressing the benefits of, and how to get involved with, the MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program.
- Time to ask questions of all presenters
Ag-Urban Partnership Forum
Starts:
Wed, 03/1/2023 - 9:00 am
Ends:
Wed, 03/1/2023 - 12:00 pm
Location:
College of St. Ben's Gorecki Center37 S. College Ave.
St. Joseph, MN 56374
MDA is a:
Sponsor
Presenter
Details:
Plan to participate in person to learn more about the ways that agricultural and urban partners are working together to prepare for extreme weather events and improve water quality around Minnesota. This fourth annual event will focus on extreme weather resiliency, with keynote speaker, Heidi Roop, Ph.D., director, Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership at the University of Minnesota.
Who should attend?
Agricultural, government, local, and urban partners looking for ideas on how to develop and strengthen their relationships while improving the water quality of Minnesota lakes and streams are encouraged to attend.
Tentative agenda
9:00 a.m. Welcome
9:15 a.m. Keynote presentation: Coordination and collaboration for effective climate risk management in Minnesota (Heidi Roop, Ph.D., director, University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership)
- Learn more about the observed and projected impacts of climate change in Minnesota and how to leverage partnerships and collaborate to respond to a range of climate risks challenging Minnesota communities, ecosystems and economy.
10:00 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. Successful partnership perspectives
- Municipal weatherproofing. Learn more from the City of Albany and Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District about their water-based infiltration and wetland restoration project that is helping to manage heavy rain events and prevent flooding.
- Building resiliency through soil health. Wilkin County Soil & Water Conservation District is undergoing an extensive soil health study related tillage treatments and adapting to weather changes. Farmer Vance Johnson will share what he’s learned 2 years into the 5 year project, and how soils, water and economics are all being monitored through crop rotations.
- Water communities tackling climate change. Hear how Minnesota watersheds are using their local water management plans to build resiliency to climate change, and their ideas for working with local partners.
11:45 a.m. Closing
