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The Emerging Farmers Working Group (EFWG), established by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture 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), and others as determined by the Commissioner or Designee. This definition reflects the department's intention to foster inclusivity and equity within the agricultural sector.

The EFWG is going into its 6th year, and the formation of this group arises from the recognition that emerging farmers face distinct challenges and opportunities within the agriculture in Minnesota. This has been an amazing journey to see how meting people where they are is key in addressing the needs of farmers in Minnesota. Designed to address their specific needs and concerns, the Emerging Farmers Working Group seeks to ensure that the voices of these farmers are heard, and their contributions are acknowledged. By engaging with a diverse array of collaborators, including emerging farmers, agricultural organizations, community leaders, and experts, the group aims to shape policies and programs that directly impact emerging farmers. This collaborative approach enables the identification of effective strategies and solutions.

The Emerging Farmers Working Group has emerged as a crucial advocate for emerging farmers in Minnesota. By providing dedicated support and generating ideas that benefit the broader emerging farmer community, the group strives to create a more inclusive and supportive agricultural landscape. As part of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) ensures ongoing collaboration, allowing the group to contribute valuable insights and recommendations, further advancing the need for more emerging farmers throughout the state to get into agriculture.

Application instruction and criteria

In this section, you will find information about eligibility, criteria we use to review applications and make selections. The Emerging Farmer Working Group members ALL serve two-year terms starting in November 2025-May 2027 and this commitment is mandatory. There is a small stipend that all working groups members do receive but this is optional. What we are looking for individuals who could help the Minnesota Department of Agriculture help address barriers that have prevented people looking to get into all areas of agriculture. This application will be open from August 25, 2025-September 12th, 2025, closing at 11pm. This will be an online application, please read and answer questions honestly and accurately, incomplete applications will not be accepted. The format that we usually use for our working group meetings will be Microsoft Teams or Zoom. 

REFERENCES

Please provide two references and how they're connected to you. If you are selected as a finalist, the references you provide will be asked to participate in a 30-minute phone call with someone from our team to discuss your agricultural leadership. Both references should be people who can speak to your leadership ability and/or potential. The two references should include:

  1. One person who has led you (e.g., friend, farmer, work, supervisor, mentor)
  2. One person you have led in group setting or been in a class or certification opportunity

If you have any questions, contact Assistant Commissioner, Patrice Bailey: Patrice.bailey@state.mn.us

Good Luck!
 

Do you identify as any of the following (Check all that apply):
Do you consider yourself (Check all that apply):
Information

The Emerging Farmers’ Working Group will meet throughout the year. The meetings for the fourth year of the Working Group are as follows:

  • November 7, 2025-In person meeting
  • January 9, 2026
  • February 13, 2026
  • March 13, 2026
  • May 8, 2026

Please answer the following questions:

Will you be able to attend all the meetings?
Have you attended any of the Emerging Farmer Listening Sessions or the Emerging Farmers’ Working Group meetings in the past?
Would you like to be added to the Emerging Farmers’ email listserv to receive updates related to emerging farmers (e.g. new programs, funding opportunities)?

Why do you want to be a part of the Emerging Farmers’ Working Group? (500 characters)

Please describe your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by emerging farmers within Minnesota's agricultural industry and provide specific examples or experiences that highlight these challenges? (700 characters)

Describe your experience working in diverse and collaborative environments and your comfortability with sharing diverse perspectives and engaging in constructive discussions? (500 characters)

How do you see your role within the group advocating for the needs and interests of emerging farmers and community, what tangible outcomes do you hope to achieve through your participation in the group? (800 characters)

How do you envision yourself participating on the Emerging Farmers Working Group's role in making recommendations, policies and programs that support emerging farmers? (300 characters)

As we enter the sixth year of the EFWG's existence, we recognize the growing importance of member engagement in disseminating information across their networks and championing causes at the state capitol. This involves a comprehensive learning process spanning various domains, such as understanding the intricacies of MDA operations, grasping the nuances of state dynamics, and fostering connections within community groups. As a valued member of the EFWG, your active participation in various learning opportunities will be expected. Are you open to the prospect of embracing a wide spectrum of perspectives and insights that stem from the diverse experiences within the emerging farmer community? (800 characters)

Enhancing in-person engagement

As we approach the sixth year of the working group's operation, we are considering in-person meetings. Our aim is to hold these gatherings in the home communities of our Working Group members. This approach may involve the request for you to host a meeting. Ideally, the meeting could take place at a public library, school, or a similar venue equipped with high-speed internet. Additionally, the agenda could encompass activities like a local emerging farmer’s farm tour and visits to other vital agricultural sites in the area. We also anticipate inviting local emerging farmers and leaders to the meetings, with dedicated time allocated for listening sessions. It's important to note that these in-person meetings would necessitate travel to the chosen location. Are you available to participate in these meetings and possibly take on the role of a host, which entails finding a location that has Wi-Fi, and a room that we can conduct meeting?

Additional Information

Privacy Notice: The MDA is collecting this information to assess applicants’ 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.