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Minnesota’s meat processing industry has received a boost from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), which has awarded $350,000 in one-time grants through its Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant Program.

The MEAT Grant provides the opportunity for Minnesota schools to fund equipment purchases, facility renovation, curriculum development, faculty training, and more processing-related activities at new or established training programs for secondary students. Nine schools received grants through this funding, with a maximum award of $70,000.

“Minnesota’s meat cutting and butchery training programs are vital to the future of our state’s processing industry,” Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “The MDA is pleased to support these nine schools providing new pathways for students to receive more hands-on training experiences and learn about careers in this field.”

A full list of MEAT Grant recipients can be found below. For more information, visit the MDA’s program webpage.

2023 Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant Award Recipients

School Name	Project Summary	Award Total
Ashby Public School	Partner with West Central Area Schools and West Central Initiative to teach meat processing through the purchase of equipment for a meat processing mobile trailer.	$41,296.58
Bertha-Hewitt Schools	Renovate an existing space to accommodate a walk-in cooler as well as upgraded sinks to allow for proper cleaning of equipment and ensure proper food and student safety.	$50,000
Byron High School	Build upon current programming by developing and adding a meat processing course with local processing partners.	$27,175.47
Lac qui Parle Valley High School	Build a mobile meat processing trailer and collaborate with Ridgewater College to develop a curriculum for meat processing classes.	$70,000
Morris Area High School	Expand the current Ag Processing course to further provide hands-on experiences and in-depth learning about meat cutting and processing, and provide a culinary experience through Family Consumer Sciences classes by preparing the meat in different ways.	$5,037.80
Nicollet Public School	Utilize the National Food Science Safety and Processing Curriculum (CASE) to impact student career readiness in meat science and processing.	$60,000
ROCORI Public Schools	Develop two classes: one focused on meat science and food safety and the second about further processing, safety, and cultural differences.	$39,527.16
Sibley East Public Schools	Update an old Family and Consumer Sciences lab to become a meat cutting lab and develop a pathway in which students will build upon skills every year in grades 8-12, culminating in a work-based capstone.	$21,962.99
West Central Area Schools	Further support the purchase of a meat processing mobile trailer and provide up to 100 hours of hands-on training for one agriculture instructor at a local butcher shop.	$35,000

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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us

July 27, 2023

Minnesota farmers are facing several challenges, from drought to dairy supply chain issues, that can put a financial strain on the family. However, producers can find help through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Farm Advocate Program.

Trained advisors, or advocates, offer one-on-one assistance and advice to farmers facing crises caused by natural disasters or financial problems. There is no charge or fee for the assistance.

“If you are struggling in your farm operation for whatever reasons and are not sure of what to do, feel free to call one of our Farm Advocates to arrange a visit,” said Minnesota Farm Advocate Bruce Lubitz. “Advocates will come to your farm and help you analyze any potential problems and provide suggestions and assistance on remedying them. All visits are free and confidential.”

Farm Advocates can provide help with financial planning and lender negotiations. They are also able to provide referrals and assistance with federal and state farm programs, legal service, and social and human services.

“Our Farm Advocates can provide farmers with an entire network of professional help,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Attorneys, accountants, human service professionals, educators, and government officials all work with the program to help Advocates help producers make informed decisions. This is an important program, and we want Minnesota farmers to know they’re not alone when facing difficult times.”

The Farm Advocate Program has been supported by the MDA since 1984 and was born out of the 1980s farm crisis. Advocates have helped hundreds of farmers over the decades.

For more information and to find the closest Farm Advocate, visit the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us/farmadvocates.

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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us

September Food Safety and Defense Task Force Meeting

Starts:

Tue, 09/19/2023 - 1:30 pm

Ends:

Tue, 09/19/2023 - 3:30 pm

Link:

https://www.mda.state.mn.us/minnesota-food-safety-defense-task-force

MDA Contact:

Natasha Hedin
Natasha.Hedin@state.mn.us
612-247-5888

Details:

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 seventeen members, ten 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.

Task force meetings are held in conformance with Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.015, upcoming meetings of the FSDTF have been scheduled and will be offered in-person with video-conference phone-in options.

The next meeting will be on September 19, 2023, at the Orville L. Freeman Building in St. Paul, MN.

Attend the September 19 meeting using Microsoft Teams

Or you can call in via audio conference (sorry, this is not a toll-free line) by calling: +1-651-395-7448

Phone Conference ID: 128 756 025#

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.