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The Good Food Access Program (GFAP) Advisory Committee advises the Commissioner of Agriculture on the management, eligibility, accountability, and promotion of the program. The purpose of the GFAP is to increase the availability of and access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food for underserved communities in low-income and moderate-income areas.

Contact Ashley Bress or Emily Mehr for Teams meeting login information.

The Farm Safety Working Group (FSWG) is an informal collaboration between state agencies, higher education institutions, agriculture membership organizations, farm safety advocates, private sector companies, and labor and safety organizations focused on improving safety in agriculture. The FSWG’s purpose is to provide a forum to discuss safety issues in agriculture, connect groups and organizations who are working on farm safety, and organize a collective effort to improve agricultural safety.

Contact Susan VonBank for meeting details.

Pipeline Stakeholder Meeting Recording

The MDA is hosting an informational meeting for producers impacted by Pipeline Foods, LLC’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

The Fridley-based company announced on July 9 it had filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

The MDA meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, July 21 from 1-3 p.m. When it's time, join the meeting here. Meeting number (access code): 1465 48 4431. Meeting password: AKqpQ7Ed32

During the meeting, staff will share available information on the situation, review the state’s bond claim process for grain sellers, and take producer questions.

Four short hours that can save a life.

When a neighbor’s tractor gets stuck, you don’t hesitate to help. But when you see a family member, friend, or client stuck in a rut—and possibly suicidal—it can be daunting to try and help and can leave you feeling powerless.

This training focuses teaches in-depth skills you can learn in half a day. You’ll learn how to recognize someone having thoughts of suicide, how to engage them, and how to make sure they get help. This evidence-based training is effective for people as young as 15.

Who should attend? Farmers, lenders, mediators, agency staff, clergy, educators, veterinarians, healthcare and social service providers, and agricultural advisors and businesspeople.

Sponsored by the Martin County Corn and Soybean Growers Association.

UMASH (Upper Midwest Agriculture Safety & Health Center) brings the Farm Safety Pavilion back to the attendees of Minnesota Farmfest. The focus is to provide up-to-date safety and health information for farmers, farm workers, and their families in an effort to prevent and/or reduce injuries and illness on farms.

Each day at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, and 2:00 pm, there will be grain handling, ATV and UTV, tractor rollover, and Power Take-off (PTO) safety demonstrations. Exhibit areas in the pavilion will feature giveaways from the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation and the MDA, personal protective equipment giveaways, and resources on respiratory protection, grain bin health and safety, mental health, and more.

Read more about 2021 Minnesota Farmfest.

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 September 14th 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: 146 789 5430

Individuals with a disability who need 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.