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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is placing spongy moth-infested areas in Coon Rapids, Grand Rapids, and Winona under quarantine beginning May 1. A portion of each city will be quarantined, which limits the movement of woody material out of the area.

A detailed quarantine map of each area is available on the MDA website. These quarantines will be in effect from May 1, 2025, to June 15, 2026.

What does the temporary quarantine do?

• The quarantine restricts the movement of trees, branches, and woody material, including firewood, out of the area. Trees may be pruned, but all branches and woody material must stay on the property (even if limbs are chipped spongy moth eggs are still viable).
• The quarantine requires self-inspection of any equipment, household items, or vehicles that are sitting outside in the quarantined area and are being moved out of the quarantine. This includes items such as wood pallets, patio furniture, grills, as well as, campers, and boats. Residents should look for spongy moth egg masses which are tan, fuzzy masses the size of a quarter. They should scrape the egg masses off the item or leave the item where it is.

High levels of spongy moths were discovered in Coon Rapids and Grand Rapids during the MDA’s 2024 annual spongy moth survey. The spongy moth-infested area in Winona was reported to the MDA by employees at a city campground. The three areas were scheduled to be aerially managed this spring with Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki), an insecticide used to kill spongy moth caterpillars and control isolated infestations. However, federal funding delays and uncertainties forced the MDA to cancel operations in these locations.

Spongy moths have caused millions of dollars in damage to forests in across eastern United States. The moths are common in Wisconsin and are now threatening Minnesota. If present in large numbers, spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of urban and natural forests. Spongy moth feeds on over 300 different species of trees and shrubs, including many of Minnesota’s most common trees such as oak, aspen, basswood, and birch.

To provide more information, the MDA will be hosting two informational meetings.

The MDA will be ramping up survey efforts in these areas and residents will likely notice traps placed on trees in many places. Residents are also asked to be on the lookout for any signs of spongy moths in the area. If you suspect a spongy moth infestation in your area, use the MDA’s online Report a Pest service, email reportapest@state.mn.us or call 1-888-545-6684.

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

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is alerting consumers to avoid purchasing and consuming certain Gerber Products Company Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall for these products after determining they pose a choking hazard to babies and young children.

The products in question are:

• Gerber Snacks for Baby Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks, Strawberry Apple, Net Wt 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04618 7, all lot codes
• Gerber Snacks for Baby Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks, Banana, Net Wt 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04608 8, all lot codes
• Gerber Snacks for Baby Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks, Banana, Net Wt 1.58 Oz (45g), with UPC 0 15000 01015 7, all lot codes

Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve the above listed teething products and should discard them. Consumers who may have purchased GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS should not feed this product to their child and can return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund. Consumers who find the product for sale in the market should not purchase the product. Anyone with health concerns should contact a health care provider. For any additional support needed, Gerber is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).

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

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded more than $1 million in grants to schools and early care providers through its Farm to School and Early Care Grants program. This funding supports the purchase of Minnesota-grown and -raised foods, creating market opportunities for local farmers and improving the quality of school and early care meals across the state.

“When schools and early cares serve local food, everyone benefits – our farmers, our kids, our communities, and our economy,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “We are proud to help schools and early care providers incorporate more local food into their meals. Minnesota kids deserve the best, and Minnesota farms can provide the best.”

New for 2025, the MDA awarded $97,000 to 194 family childcare providers through its Local Tots Cost-Share program. Each provider received a $500 award through this non-competitive cost-share program to help serve more local foods as part of their meal and snack programs. This marks the first year of the program, launched as the MDA expands Farm to School and Early Care efforts to support more children across the state.

The MDA also awarded $948,096 in Farm to School and Early Care grants to 63 school districts and nine early childhood education (ECE) centers across the state in this round. Recipients received one of two grants to purchase whole unprocessed or minimally processed foods that are at least 80% grown or raised in Minnesota.

• First Bite Farm to School and Early Care Grant: For school districts and ECE centers new to local purchasing and looking to start small.
• Full Tray Farm to School and Early Care Grant: For school districts and ECE centers with some Farm to School or Farm to Early Care experience who are ready to take on larger projects. Applicants for Full Tray grants are required to provide a 1:1 match on all funds awarded.

Grant awards ranged from $2,500 to $35,000 and will support $866,089 in local food purchases. Applicants could also apply for additional funding to purchase equipment that supports their local sourcing efforts, equipment funding also requires a 1:1 match. A total of $82,007 was awarded to 12 schools and ECE centers for items ranging from flat top grills and refrigeration units to tilt skillets and food processors. These tools help improve food safety and make scratch cooking with local foods more accessible and efficient.

A full list of recipients and award amounts for the First Bite and Full Tray grants can be found below. See the full list of awardees for the Local Tots Cost-Share program on the Local Tots Cost-Share Past Projects webpage.

Funding for these programs is made available through the MDA’s Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) program, which administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout the state of Minnesota. The AGRI Program exists to advance Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.

Farm to School and Early Care Grant Recipients

First Bite Grants

Full Tray Grants

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

Minnesota dairy farmers are encouraged to apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Dairy Business Planning Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support diary operations in planning for the future.

Eligible projects include hiring a qualified, independent third party to help create a business plan for your dairy operation. This can include plans to:

• Evaluate the feasibility of expanding your operation
• Plan for environmental upgrades
• Develop a farm transition or succession strategy
• Update feedlot permits
• Address other business planning needs

"Dairy farming comes with real challenges, and thoughtful planning is essential. We’re proud to offer Dairy Business Planning Grants to support Minnesota farmers as they look ahead to strengthen their operations. Their hard work brings fresh, high-quality dairy products to tables here in Minnesota and beyond," said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.

The grant pays 50 percent of the cost to develop a business plan, up to $5,000. Producers are responsible for the remaining 50 percent. Applications will be funded on a first come, first served basis until June 1, 2025. The MDA has approximately $28,000 remaining to be used this fiscal year.  

To see the full eligibility requirements and to apply, visit the Dairy Business Planning Grants web page. Questions at this program can be directed to Kami Schoenfeld at Kami.Schoenfeld@state.mn.us or call 651-201-6643.

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

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Make it Minnesota Program is supporting thirteen food and beverage brands at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show, held annually in the North Hall of McCormick Place, in Chicago, IL. They will exhibit as part of the 
"A Taste of the States" showcase, organized by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. 

NRA provides exposure to a regional, national, and international audience of buyers looking for new and better products for their foodservice. The event is touted as the largest annual gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere.

"We’re proud to support these outstanding Minnesota brands as they work to expand their reach into new markets," said MDA Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey. "The National Restaurant Association Show is an incredible opportunity to introduce their innovative products to buyers and distributors from across the country and around the world."

Seven of the 13 Minnesota brands participating this year are new to the NRA Show, but one standout company has been a staple of the Minnesota Pavilion for 25+ years. Captain Ken’s Foods, a St. Paul-based family-owned and managed company, is known for its famous oven-baked beans (not canned), hearty chili recipes, and other comforting classics including cheesy hash browns, taco meat, and more.

Capitan Ken’s Foods owners, Mike and John Traxler recently shared how valuable the show has been to help grow their business. “The connections we’ve made at the NRA Show have helped us expand our reach, which now touches over 40 states and Canada," said Traxler. “It’s always exciting to share our tried-and-true favorites alongside new recipe innovations as we continue to develop new business with prospective customers, thank existing customers for their years of patronage, and of course, to see other first-time Minnesota exhibitors make their mark."

The following brands will exhibit in the Minnesota Pavilion at NRA 2025.

• 3 Cricketeers
• Captain Ken's
• Compart Duroc
• Deeply Rooted Farms
• Good Sense Foods
• J's Kombucha
• K-Mama Sauce
• Utopia Borealis
• Nordic Waffles
• Sweethaven Tonics
• The Amazing Chickpea
• Triple Crown BBQ Sauce
• Valley's Own Bakehouse/Kakookies

The MDA will host a “Minnesota Mingle” reception for Minnesota exhibitors, retailers, brokers, service providers, and other industry attendees on Saturday, May 17. Minnesota NRA attendees interested in attending can contact Erika Camplin, Food Business Development Administrator, at Erika.Camplin@state.mn.us.

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

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for a grant to develop enterprises, supply chains, and markets for continuous living cover crops and cropping systems in the early stages of commercial development.

Continuous living cover (CLC) refers to agricultural systems in which there are living plants and roots in the ground throughout the entire year. This can take many forms, from winter cover crops sown between summer annuals to agroforestry practices, perennial forage crops, perennial biomass crops, and perennial grain production. This includes, but is not limited to, regenerative poultry silvopasture systems, Kernza® perennial grain, American hazelnuts, winter camelina, and elderberry.

This fourth request for proposals is funded under the Minnesota Climate Smart Food Systems (CSFS) Initiative. A summary of the previous 21 grant-supported projects can be found on the Developing Markets for CLC Crops webpage.

CLC crops have been shown to enhance water and soil quality, sequester carbon, build soil health, and provide greater biodiversity and pollinator habitat. Significant environmental benefits from these crops will result from widespread production, which requires robust value chains and markets.

Grant proposals must aim to develop and accelerate enterprises, supply chains, and markets for CLC crops and cropping systems in the early stages of commercial development in Minnesota. This could include customized equipment to harvest the crop, clean and store seeds, and process crops for food products, as well as market and business development. The intended outcomes are a robust supply chain and a growing market that can increase acreage of CLC crops and cropping systems on agricultural lands in Minnesota.

Applicants must:

• Be an organization in Minnesota, including a company, government, tribe, urban American Indian Community, partnership, and any type of civil or political association of people.
• Focus on continuous living cover.

The MDA will use a competitive review process to select grantees. The minimum award is $10,000 and the maximum award is $100,000.

The Developing Markets for CLC Crops Grant application must be received by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on Monday, July 9, 2025, through the MDA’s online application system.

For more information and to see the complete request for proposal (RFP), visit the Developing Markets for CLC Crops webpage.

Note: Due to the recent uncertainty of federal funding, publishing this request for proposals (RFP) does not commit the state to awarding any federal funds.

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

Farmers enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) saw nearly double the profits of non-certified farms, according to recent data from the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence.

The 2025 “Influence of Intensified Environmental Practices on Farm Profitability” study examined financial and crop and livestock production information from farmers enrolled in the Minnesota State Farm Business Management education program. The 153 MAWQCP farms in the study saw more gross cash farm income and net farm income in 2024 than non-certified farms.

Looking at 2024 data, the average net cash income for MAWQCP farms was over $134,800, nearly double the $67,700 for non-MAWQCP farms. The median net income was also nearly double for certified farms compared to non-certified farms. Debt-to-asset ratios were also better for those enrolled in the MAWQCP.

This is the sixth year the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence has compared MAWQCP and non-MAWQCP farms. Every year has shown a positive return on investment for whole-farm conservation management that farmers implement to become certified.

“We’ve seen time and time again that the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program provides better economic outcomes on top of the benefits to our water and soil resources,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Farmers that make conservation investments continue to turn a profit, even in an uncertain farm economy. I encourage all farmers and landowners to contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District to get more information about certifying their land.”

“2024 brought economic challenges for farmers, especially for those in the cropping sectors,” said Keith Olander, Executive Director of AgCentric and Agricultural Partnerships. “The MAWQCP farmers continued to show strong financial resilience during this recent period compared to their peers. The six-year history of strong economic performance indicates that MAWQCP farmers mitigate risk at a greater level than their peers. The water quality parameters have farmers focus on environmental risks, but those management skills transfer to/from their finances, weather adversity, and market strategies to avert economic devastation.”  

To find details on the economic study, visit: https://www.agcentric.org/farm-business-management/annual-fbm-reports/.

The MAWQCP puts farmers in touch with local conservation district experts to identify and mitigate any risks their farm poses to water quality on a field-by-field basis. Producers going through the certification process have priority access to financial assistance. After being certified, each farm is deemed in compliance with new water quality laws and regulations for 10 years.

Since the program’s statewide launch in 2016, nearly 1.2 million acres have been enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. The 1,600-plus certified farms have added more than 7,700 new conservation practices that protect Minnesota’s waters. Those new practices have kept over 68,800 tons of sediment out of Minnesota rivers while saving over 89,800 pounds of phosphorous on farms each year. The conservation practices have also reduced nitrogen loss up to 45%.

Farmers and landowners interested in becoming water quality certified can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or visit MyLandMyLegacy.com.

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