Emerald Ash Borer: Management and Insecticide Treatments (Webinar)

Starts:
Thu, 04/22/2021 - 11:00 am
Ends:
Thu, 04/22/2021 - 12:00 pm
MDA is a:
Sponsor
Presenter
Link:
Emerald Ash Borer: Management Guidelines and Insecticide Treatments, Thursday, …
MDA Contact:
Jonathan Osthus
Jonathan.Osthus@state.mn.us
651-201-6248

Details:

Please join the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to learn about EAB management guidelines and insecticide treatments. Jonathan Osthus, MDA, will go through EAB management guidelines developed for communities. Jeff Palmer, Certified Arborist, will discuss selection of good treatment candidates, preventative vs. reactive treatments, and limitations of different treatment options. Event will last 60 minutes with time for questions and answers.

March Food Safety and Defense Task Force Meeting

Starts:
Tue, 03/16/2021 - 1:30 pm
Ends:
Tue, 03/16/2021 - 3:30 pm
MDA is a:
Sponsor
Link:
Minnesota Food Safety and 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 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 March 16th 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: 146 248 9021

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. 

 

March Food Innovation Team Meeting

Starts:
Tue, 03/16/2021 - 9:00 am
Ends:
Tue, 03/16/2021 - 10:30 am
MDA Contact:
Natasha Hedin
Natasha.Hedin@state.mn.us
612-247-5888

Details:

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 March 16th 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: 146 424 6096

Individuals with a disability who need a 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.

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You must complete this Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Grower Agreement by June 15, 2025. We will not process late applications. If you have questions, contact the FMNP staff at fmnp.mda@state.mn.us

NOTE: You may NOT accept FMNP coupons before you receive written authorization from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. You must apply for authorization each year.

Indicates required field
Do you participate in Wisconsin or Iowa's FMNP programs also?
Preferred communication method
Preferred language
Eligibility
I farm in Minnesota or a bordering state (Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin).
I grow ALL the fruits, vegetables, and herbs that I sell at FMNP authorized markets.
I purchase fruits, vegetables, or herbs from someone else (e.g. friend, neighbor, or wholesaler) that I sell at FMNP authorized markets.


Any items purchased from another grower or wholesaler are NOT eligible FMNP items.

Markets

(we will send you a separate email with the market agreement form)

These are last year’s authorized FMNP farmers’ markets. Check the market(s) where you are a member:
Grower Status
I am a new FMNP grower.

(4-digit # located on your grower sign)

Do you need new grower signs?
Agreement

By checking the box, you agree that you have read and understood the statement. To participate in this program, you must check every box.

Privacy Notice

Some data provided in this application may be classified by the Minnesota Data Practices Act or other law as private or non-public. Access to private or non-public data is limited by law to MDA staff and contractors with a valid work assignment to access the data, parties authorized by the applicant or by a valid court order, Minnesota Management and Budget, Minnesota Department of Administration, the state auditor, the legislative auditor and any other entity or person authorized by state law, federal law, or federal subpoena. If necessary, the MDA may also share the data with law enforcement or the office of the Minnesota Attorney General. The information provided will be used to assess if an applicant is eligible to receive payment under this program. Applicants are not legally required to provide the information requested in this application, but only completed applications will be considered.

Terms and Conditions of the 2025 FMNP Vendor Agreement

This agreement is effective the date the state obtains all required signatures and expires on December 1, 2025, unless terminated earlier by either party. Growers must maintain membership in an authorized farmers’ market and attend any required trainings as determined by the MDA for this agreement to remain in effect. Growers must obtain written approval by the MDA each market season before accepting FMNP checks.

THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGREES TO:

  1. reimburse you for coupons cashed and submitted in accordance with the provisions of the FMNP policies and procedures;
  2. provide training on procedures for the FMNP; and
  3. monitor the FMNPs and provide written notification of noncompliance.

BY SUBMITTING THIS DOCUMENT, YOU AGREE TO:

  1. accept and redeem FMNP coupons presented to you in accordance with the FMNP;
  2. accept FMNP coupons only for locally grown fresh, unprocessed produce in accordance with program procedures;
  3. redeem 2025 FMNP coupons from June 15 through October 31 and deposit coupons by November 10;
  4. only accept FMNP coupons for produce that were personally grown by you (no wholesale);
  5. not exchange FMNP coupons for cash or give change for produce purchased with coupons but to make every reasonable attempt to provide customers produce equal to the full value of the coupon;
  6. post product prices and charge FMNP coupon customers no more for produce than cash patrons;
  7. abide by all federal and state nondiscrimination legislation and not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. Participants who wish to file a civil rights complaint should contact the market manager;
  8. accept FMNP coupons only when participating at an authorized farmers’ market;
  9. ensure that all persons acting on your behalf at the market are aware of the FMNP procedures;
  10. be monitored for compliance, including, at the discretion of the MDA, a growing site inspection;
  11. (markets only) coordinate with authorized vendors to ensure that an authorized grower is present at the market during all normal market hours of operation and inform the MDA if you choose to withdraw from the program;
  12. complete and return a confidential survey of the program at the end of the growing season if requested;
  13. reimburse the state for any FMNP coupons transacted in violation of this agreement; and
  14. not seek recourse or repayment from a FMNP customer if reimbursement is refused by the MDA.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
  2. fax: 202-690-7442; or
  3. email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Farm Safety Working Group

Starts:
Mon, 03/29/2021 - 10:30 am
Ends:
Mon, 03/29/2021 - 12:00 pm
MDA is a:
Sponsor
Presenter
MDA Contact:
Susan VonBank
Susan.VonBank@state.mn.us
651-201-6603

Details:

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.

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To participate in the 2025 Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), you must complete:

  1. The Market Agreement form below
  2. Submit an updated list of grower names and mailing addresses
  3. Submit your market bylaws.

To be included in the printed program materials distributed to FMNP participants, we must receive ALL required market information by Friday, April 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

To have your growers authorized to accept FMNP coupons starting June 15, 2025, we must receive ALL required market information by Friday, May 2, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

 

Indicates required field
Contact Information

Note: "Contact" is the individual who is authorized on behalf of the market AND has attended a FMNP Grower Training session last year. All new market managers must attend a grower training session before the market can be authorized.

Market Information
Does the market allow growers to resell purchased produce?
Is this a new market to the FMNP program?
Did the market's bylaws change in the last year?

Email a copy of the bylaws to fmnp.mda@state.mn.us by April 11, 2025, to be included in program promotional materials, and by May 2, 2025, to participate in the 2025 program.

Does the market have grower residency requirements?

Email an alphabetical database of grower names and mailing addresses to fmnp.mda@state.mn.us by April 11, 2025, to be included in printed program promotional materials, and by May 2, 2025, to participate in the 2025 program.

Complete the following information for each market location that will be authorized in 2025 (one market per line). Check the “Add” box to add additional markets.

Market location (street address or landmark) Market city Day(s) of operation (one day per line. If market is on Tuesday and Thursday, please list as two separate markets) Hours that at least one FMNP grower is guaranteed to be at the market (list using the following format: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) First date market will accept FMNP checks (earliest date: 6/15/2025) Last date market will accept FMNP checks (latest date: 10/31/2025)
Agreement

By checking the box, you agree that you have read and understood the statement. For the Market to participate in this program, you must check every box.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027), or at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  1.  mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
  2. fax: 202-690-7442; or
  3. email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Privacy Notice

Some data provided in this application may be classified by the Minnesota Data Practices Act or other law as private or non-public. Access to private or non-public data is limited by law to MDA staff and contractors with a valid work assignment to access the data, parties authorized by the applicant or by a valid court order, Minnesota Management and Budget, Minnesota Department of Administration, the state auditor, the legislative auditor and any other entity or person authorized by state law, federal law, or federal subpoena. If necessary, the MDA may also share the data with law enforcement or the office of the Minnesota Attorney General. The information provided will be used to assess if a market is eligible for this program. Applicants are not legally required to provide the information requested in this application, but only completed applications will be considered.

Market Agreement Terms
  1. The market shall:
    1. coordinate authorized vendors to ensure that an authorized vendor is present at the market during all market hours of operation as listed on this agreement;
    2. provide information required by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) for periodic reports to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service;
    3. attend training on program procedures;
    4. agree to be monitored for compliance with program requirements;
    5. offer check recipients the same courtesies as other market customers;
    6. comply with the nondiscrimination and civil rights provisions of the USDA regulations;
    7. notify the MDA of any changes in market operations that pertain to FMNP;
    8. promote proper FMNP coupon redemption among vendors; monitor vendors to ensure that only produce sold by the farmer is sold in exchange for FMNP coupons; and
    9. report to the MDA and cooperate in investigations of vendors who;
      • redeem FMNP coupons for ineligible foods,
      • charge coupon customers higher prices than patrons using cash;
      • accept coupons before June 15 or after October 31,
      • issue change for produce purchased with coupons, or
      • abuse any other program procedures.
  2. The MDA and the market have no obligation to renew this agreement. The MDA or the market may terminate this agreement for cause after providing advance written notification at least thirty days before cancellation.
  3. The MDA may disqualify the market for program abuse or failure to comply with program requirements with a minimum of fifteen days advanced written notification.
  4. The MDA will not invite a market to be authorized in 2024 if more than one-third of authorized vendors of that market have compliance issues in 2023.
  5. The MDA shall provide a hearing procedure whereby local agencies, recipients, farmers’ market vendors, and farmers’ markets adversely affected by certain actions of the MDA may appeal those actions. Farmers’ markets may appeal an action of the MDA denying its application to participate, imposing a sanction, or disqualifying it from participating in the FMNP.
  6. The market can be prosecuted under applicable federal, state, or local laws for program fraud, but the market is not liable for fraud committed by individual vendors participating in the market.
  7. This agreement is valid for the current marketing season.