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Join the Minnesota Cottage Food Producer's Association, the University of Minnesota Extension, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to learn more about the required COVID-19 Preparedness Plans for your cottage food business. For more information, visit the Minnesota Cottage Food Producer's Association website. 

Join Zoom Meeting on Thursday, July at 3:00 pm: 

Meeting ID: 945 9914 3042

Password: 91353D

Join by phone:

+1 651 372 8299

Meeting ID: 945 9914 3042

Password: 204952

Joining instructions

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 July 20th 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: 967 369 624

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 July 20th 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: 146 653 5750

The Agriculture Research, Education, Extension, And Technology Transfer (AGREETT) panel advises the Commissioner of Agriculture and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota on investments to achieve long-term agricultural productivity increases through improved infrastructure, vision, and accountability in agricultural research and technology transfer, agriculture rapid response, and agricultural education. For more information, see the AGREETT state statute.

Contact Paul Hugunin for meeting details.

As an addition to Virtual Farmfest, the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) is hosting the "UMASH Online Expo: A 20/20 Look at Ag Health, Safety, and Wellness" featuring exhibitors, safety demonstrations, and speakers on a number of health and safety topics.

Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Farmers and family members (who often share the work) are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.

The risks are real. So join us August 11 – 13, 2020 for this free online event.

View the Program-at-a-Glance (PDF) to see more details and join the sessions using Zoom.

Join the MDA’s Strategy and Innovation Specialist Ariel Kagan as she discusses insights from the Halal and Kosher Meat Market Assessment Project and what they mean for your farm or work.

The market for halal and kosher meat in Minnesota holds untapped potential for communities throughout the state. On the consumer side, Minnesota is home to thousands of people with unmet needs for meat processed in the halal or kosher traditions. On the producer side, many farmers and ranchers across the state are looking for new markets. Each stop along the supply chain requires an understanding of the requirements and preferences for halal and kosher production.

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 for meeting login information.