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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is urging consumers to not consume Emek brand Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif. 

The product comes in a 9.7 oz. glass jar labeled with Batch Number 250401 and a Best Before date of April 01, 2027. Samples of the product were collected in Minnesota as part of an investigation into Emek brand pistachio spread products. Salmonella was found in the product through laboratory testing.

The product was sold primarily at World Market locations nationally. World Market has issued a recall. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume it and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, or they may discard the product. 

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 96 hours after exposure, but they can begin up to two weeks after exposure. Infections usually resolve in five to seven days, but about 28 percent of laboratory-confirmed cases require hospitalization. 

If you have consumed this product and are concerned about symptoms of illness, please consult your health care provider for more information. 

         

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Media Contact
Larry Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6629
Larry.Schumacher@state.mn.us 

Farmfest 2025 attendees should plan to visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) exhibit for information on a wide variety of agriculture-related programs and resources, including a free nitrate private well testing clinic. 

Farmfest is Tuesday, August 5, through Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Historic Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls, Minnesota. The MDA Farmfest Booth is #517S.

Nitrate-nitrogen (referred to as nitrate) is a compound made up of nitrogen and oxygen. It can occur naturally in groundwater at levels typically in the range of 0 to 3 milligrams per liter (mg/L). Above 3 mg/L is considered elevated, and above 10 mg/L is considered unsafe, which is why the MDA is encouraging residents to bring in a water sample to be tested at the department’s Farmfest booth.

Follow these easy steps the day you’re attending Farmfest to participate in the free nitrate water testing clinic:

• Run your faucet for five to 10 minutes.
• Collect at least one cup of water in any sealable container such as a jar or Ziploc bag.
• Keep it chilled if possible. It is recommended you make the MDA booth your first stop at Farmfest.

Testing takes less than five minutes, and the results are just for you. No personal information is collected. 

High levels of nitrate in water can come from fertilized soil, wastewater, landfills, feedlots, septic systems, or urban drainage. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends you test your private well for nitrate every one to two years. 

Other featured programs at the MDA booth include the Rural Finance Authority Loan programs, MDA grant programs, the Minnesota Ag Weather Station Network, Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program, and rural mental health resources.

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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-387-6599
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us 

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded $1,755,623 in grant funding to 42 Minnesota businesses through its Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Value-Added Grant and Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing (MPEM) Grant. Both programs provide funding for Minnesota-based businesses to invest in equipment and physical improvement projects that support expanding production capacity, market diversification, and market access for agricultural products.

These grants are awarded through a competitive review process. Awards range from $1,000 to $150,000. Grantees must provide a cash match of 50% for the first $50,000 of eligible project costs, and 75% for any additional costs, up to a maximum of $150,000. This cost-share model helps leverage private investment alongside state support. See the tables below for descriptions of funded projects.

Sixteen businesses across the state were awarded a total of $714,010 through the Value-Added Grant program. This funding supports a diverse group of businesses including produce processors, hemp product makers, food hubs, and value-added grain, herb, and beverage producers.

An additional 26 businesses received a total of $1,041,613 through the MPEM Grant track, which is dedicated to supporting meat, poultry, egg, and dairy processors. These businesses are making upgrades such as expanding cold storage, installing commercial-scale equipment, and launching new on-farm creameries to improve processing capacity and increase food safety.

“State support, when paired with the drive and investment of Minnesota’s farmers and food businesses, can lead to big results,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “We’re proud to back entrepreneurs who are expanding their processing capacity, creating economic opportunity, and helping more Minnesotans access more locally produced food, fuel, and fiber.”

These awards are for fiscal year 2025, which ended on June 30. Applications for fiscal year 2026 Value-Added and MPEM grants are currently open and will be accepted through the MDA’s online application system until 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the AGRI Value-Added Grant and Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing Grant webpages.

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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us 

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) in Itasca County for the first time. There are now 59 counties in the state, including Itasca, with EAB.

A suspected EAB infestation was reported by a homeowner on Pokegama Lake south of the city of Grand Rapids. A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources forest health specialist visited the area and confirmed the presence of EAB larvae.

EAB was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009. The insect larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. Often, the trees show several signs of infestation because of this. Woodpeckers like to feed on EAB larvae, and woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of emerald ash borer. Also, EAB tunneling can cause the bark to split open, revealing characteristic S-shaped galleries underneath.

Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Itasca County, the MDA is enacting an emergency quarantine of the southeastern portion of the county. The exact quarantine boundaries can be found on this map. The quarantine limits the movement of firewood and ash material out of the area. 

The MDA issues quarantines for all areas known to have EAB to reduce the risk of further spreading the tree-killing insect.

A virtual informational meeting for residents and tree care professionals in Itasca County will be held with experts from the MDA. Staff will give a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

Emerald Ash Borer Virtual Informational Meeting:
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
10–11 a.m.
Register at www.mda.state.mn.us/emerald-ash-borer-quarantine

The public will also have an opportunity to provide input on the proposal to add Itasca County’s emergency quarantine to the state’s formal quarantine. The MDA is taking comments on the proposed formal quarantine now through September 5, 2025, and recommends adopting the quarantine on September 8, 2025. The proposed quarantine language can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.

Comments can be made during the virtual meeting or by contacting:

Mark Abrahamson
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155
Mark.Abrahamson@state.mn.us

There is more EAB information on the MDA website. 

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Media Contact
Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications
651-201-6131
Brittany.Raveill@state.mn.us 

The public is invited to the Hastings Kernza® Field Day on Aug. 14 to explore Kernza, a groundbreaking perennial grain that offers a powerful combination of environmental and agricultural benefits. This event will provide a close-up look at how Kernza is transforming farming practices by improving soil health, reducing runoff, and creating new opportunities for sustainable food and forage production.

Hosted in partnership with Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Forever Green Initiative, University of Minnesota Extension, and Dakota County, the event will highlight Kernza’s dual role as both a grain and forage crop. Participants also will learn about emerging market opportunities and cost-share programs available to farmers interested in transitioning to perennial systems.

Event Details

Hastings Kernza® Field Day
Aug. 14 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
2500 Enterprise Ave, Hastings
(Across the road from the Hastings Water Tower)
For more information, visit the event page: Hastings Kernza Field Day

Kernza is one of a suite of perennial crops that the Forever Green Initiative has included in its research and crop commercialization efforts. Its comprehensive approach moves new crops out of the lab and onto the landscape, where they can make a difference for farmers, the environment, industry, and society. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture receives Clean Water Funds to support the Forever Green Initiative. 

When compared to annual crops, perennial crops require fewer resources to farm and provide living cover year-round. Continuous living cover has been shown to enhance water and soil quality, sequester carbon, build soil health, and provide greater biodiversity and pollinator habitat. Significant environmental benefits of these crops will result from widespread production. 

Kernza is an intermediate wheatgrass that has diverse characteristics that make it desirable for food, beverages, and animal forages. Through private and public investment, the market for Kernza is growing in Minnesota. 

Attendees will:

• Learn about Kernza’s environmental benefits and agronomic potential
• Hear from experts and producers advancing perennial agriculture
• Discover cost-share and conservation funding opportunities
• Network with farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals

This free, in-person field day will take place rain or shine. Lunch will be provided, and attendees are welcome to stay for a casual social hour following presentations. Registration by Aug. 1 is required to ensure lunch is provided. Register online at Hastings Kernza Field Day.

This event is made possible through the collaboration of Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, Forever Green Initiative, Dakota County, University of Minnesota Extension, and with support from Minnesota’s Clean Water Fund, which is dedicated to restoring and protecting Minnesota’s water resources for future generations.

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Media Contact
Cynthia Moothart, MDA Communications
651-420-2637
Cynthia.Moothart@state.mn.us

Minnesota Grown and the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) are once again inviting grocery and liquor retailers across the state to support farmers and show off their local pride by entering the 2025–2026 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year contest, now open for entries through October 10, 2025 at 4 p.m.

This annual contest celebrates Minnesota retailers who go above and beyond to promote Minnesota Grown products—everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats, dairy, alcoholic beverages, packaged goods, and more. Stores are encouraged to create eye-catching displays and engaging promotions that highlight the best from Minnesota’s farmers at a time when many fresh fruits and vegetables are in season.

“This contest is a fun and meaningful way for grocers to spotlight the incredible diversity of locally grown and raised products right as harvest season hits its peak,” said Jennifer Alexander, Regional Marketing Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. “We’re excited to see this year’s creativity and to celebrate the strong relationships between stores, producers, and the communities they serve.”

“Grocers are deeply rooted in their communities and take pride in connecting Minnesotans with the best our state has to offer,” said MGA President Patrick Garofalo. “We are proud to play a role in this collective effort that showcases and celebrates innovative partnerships and the commitment it takes to bring local products from farm to shelf.” 

How it works:
Participating retailers will select a one-week window between August 1 and September 30, 2025, to showcase Minnesota Grown products in-store and through related marketing. Whether it’s creative in-aisle displays, community events, tasting stations, or digital campaigns, retailers are encouraged to get creative in spotlighting their local suppliers.

Regional winners will be selected from across the state, with an additional statewide award for outstanding beer, wine, and spirits promotion. A popular People’s Choice Award will also return this year, driven in part by public voting on the Minnesota Grown Facebook page.

Winners will receive:

• Exclusive use of the “Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year” logo throughout 2026
• A commemorative plaque awarded at the MGA Awards Luncheon in spring 2026
• Featured recognition in Minnesota Grown and MGA promotions

How to enter:
Full contest details and the online entry form are available on the Retailer of the Year contest webpage. Entries must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025 via the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s online grants portal.

For questions about the contest or submission process, contact Jennifer Alexander at Jennifer.J.Alexander@state.mn.us.

Minnesota Grown is a program of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to promote products grown and raised in Minnesota. The program has connected consumers with local farmers, farmers’ markets, and other producers of agricultural products near them for over 40 years. The Minnesota Grown Directory at minnesotagrown.com is a searchable map of over 1,000 local farms, markets, and producers across the state. The program also licenses the use of the Minnesota Grown label to Minnesota producers and retailers. Anywhere you see the Minnesota Grown logo, you can have confidence that product was grown or raised within the state. Find local near you in our directory of over 1,000 farms and markets at minnesotagrown.com. 

The Minnesota Grocers Association is the only state trade association that represents the food industry of Minnesota from farm to fork. It has served the industry for over 125 years, with over 300 retail, manufacturer, and wholesale members supporting nearly 1,300 locations statewide. MGA member companies employ over 150,000 union and non-union Minnesotans. It actively advances the common interest of all those engaged in any aspect of the food industry as a leader and advocate in government affairs. Learn more at mngrocers.com.

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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us 

Farmers, landowners, and conservation partners are invited to attend the annual Rosholt Research Farm Field Day, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Rosholt Research Farm, 910 Old Highway 28 in Westport.

This hands-on, educational event will feature cutting-edge research and demonstrations focused on improving soil health and nutrient management strategies. Registration is required by Aug. 13, and lunch will be provided.

The program includes presentations and in-field demonstrations on:

• Nitrogen use in irrigated corn with cover crops
• Irrigation and nitrogen management strategies
• Soil health assessment techniques and erosion control
• Drone seeding of cover crops

Participants will see ongoing research trials and learn from experts working to promote sustainable farming practices across Minnesota.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Additional details are available online at Pope Soil and Water Conservation District (www.popeswcd.org) and Stearns Conservation District (www.stearnscd.org). Interested attendees can register by filling out this online form or calling 320-634-5327. 

Research studies and field day activities are funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council, the Minnesota Office for Soil Health, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Minnesota Clean Water Fund.

This event is organized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Pope and Stearns conservation districts.

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Media Contact
Cynthia Moothart, MDA Communications
651-420-2637
cynthia.moothart@state.mn.us