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The Governor’s Food Safety and Defense Task Force has continuously met since 1990 to discuss issues affecting Minnesota’s food system. The task force is composed of sixteen members, nine of whom are appointed by the Governor’s office, representing food regulatory agencies, agricultural industries, food related non-profit associations, and the University of Minnesota. Meetings of the Task Force are held every other month and are open to anyone interested.

Due to precautions against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in conformance with Minnesota Statues Section 13D.021, upcoming meetings of the FSDTF have been scheduled and will be changed from in-person meetings to video-conference meetings with a phone-in option. 

Attend the Sept 15th meeting using WebEx.

Or you can call in via audio conference (sorry, this is not a toll-free line) by calling:
+1-415-655-0003

Access code: 146 747 6706

Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event please contact Natasha Hedin at 612-247-5888 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 as soon as possible. 

The Food Innovation Team (FIT) was created as a subcommittee of the Minnesota Food Safety and Defense Task Force to help answer questions and assist food business owners in navigating Minnesota’s food licensing and regulatory environment.  Most food business owners receive a license to do business from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), or their delegated agencies with relative ease. However, some food business owners may encounter challenges in licensing due to a number of factors that may not easily be resolved without assistance. When this happens food business owners are encouraged to work with the FIT to help answer their questions and create a path forward for their licensing needs. FIT meetings are held every other month and are open to anyone interested.

Due to precautions against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in conformance with Minnesota Statues Section 13D.021, upcoming meetings of the FIT have been scheduled and will be changed from in-person meetings to video-conference meetings with a phone-in option.

Join the September 15th meeting using WebEx

Or you can call in via audio conference (sorry, this is not a toll-free line) by calling:
+1-415-655-0003

Access code: 146 061 9377

Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event please contact Natasha Hedin at 612-247-5888 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 as soon as possible.

Livestock expert Curt Pate is leading several workshops in Minnesota. Pate’s stockmanship workshops are known for sharing effective demonstrations that focus on the economic benefits of correctly handling livestock. He will also discuss the impact that improved livestock handling practices create for the sustainability of the cattle industry.

The start times and registration costs and methods vary for each workshop. Meal included.

• Monday, September 4 – 8:30 a.m., Didrikson Farm, 17720 County Rd 3, Badger. Free. RSVP required to 218.689.1480 or danadidrikson@gmail.com. Hosted by Northwestern Stockman’s Association.
• Tuesday, September 15 – 10 a.m., Mark Naumann Farm, 11844 Clark Rd, Floodwood. $10 at the door. RSVP required to 218.749.7120. Hosted by Northeast Minnesota Forage & Grassland Council and Midwest Forage Association.
• Wednesday, September 16 – 10:30 a.m., Sunup Ranch, 12316 County 18 SW, Brainerd. $30 adults and $5 for students. Preregistration required. REGISTER. Hosted by Crow Wing River Basin Forage Council, a Networking Group of SFA.
• Thursday, September 17 – 10:30 a.m., Morrison County Fairgrounds, 15575 Hawthorn Rd, Little Falls. $20 at the door. RSVP required to Leah Bischof, 320.429.0611 or leahbischof@gmail.com. Hosted by Minnesota Dairy Initiative, this event will have a dairy cattle focus. Info: 320.429.0611.
• Friday, September 18 – 9 a.m., Clear Springs Cattle Company, 30819 250th St, Starbuck. $20 at the door. RSVP required to 320.808.4424 or kelly.anderson@state.mn.us. Hosted by Glacial Ridge Cattlemen’s Association.

See the event flyer for more information. These events will take place outside with social distancing guidelines in effect including instructors and staff; it is recommended to bring face masks to these events.

Sponsored by the Sustainable Farming Association, Beef Quality Assurance, Merck Animal Health, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.