Community Engagement Mini Contracts Summary

$17,000 was awarded to seven community-based groups to lead preliminary engagement. Partners conducted surveys, focus groups, interviews, and informal discussions to capture the perspectives of their networks.

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What we heard

Networks and collaboration

• Many producers rely extensively on formal and informal networks to gather and exchange information.
• Other stakeholders, including farmers market managers, do not have access to these same networks or feel more isolated.
• Local farmers use a variety of unique, and often collaborative strategies to facilitate sales to adapt to a changing market.

Effective communication

• Language is an upfront barrier, but solutions must reach beyond translation and will benefit from working through people that communities already trust.
• There is an opportunity to tap into the existing online tools, networks, and social media platforms.
• Individuals throughout the supply chain rely heavily on personal relationships. Relationships and trust will strengthen communication efforts.

Data collection

• Traditional survey methods will not reach a broad range of individuals.
• Farmers/food industry workers are busy, so prioritize non-burdensome data collection in the off-season.
• Many farmers do not keep readily accessible records or participate in the Census of Agriculture.
• Farmers have expressed privacy concerns, or concerns about what data is being used for.

Supporting Emerging Farmers

• Farmers are independent and have pride in their operations.
• Emerging farmers are often not offered the same opportunities or face additional barriers to success.
• Leverage financial partnerships between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and non-profits/organizations supporting emerging farmers.
• Working with farmers and partner organizations demonstrates investment in emerging farmers and shows potential pathways for others who are interested in starting a farm business.

Perception of institutions

• The MDA is not automatically perceived as a trusted source but can build on existing positive relationships. Emerging farmers have little trust for/no relationship with the University of Minnesota.
• Farmers are not aware of grants, experience barriers applying to grants, or are overwhelmed by information. Multi-year grants are most helpful to partner organizations who can assist with paperwork.
• Small farmers/local managers are aware of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), but still are confused regarding licensing, specific regulations, and how the programs apply to small farms.
• Farmers need clear examples of how Minnesota Grown will benefit them.
• Retailers are interested in participating in Minnesota Grown, but need the program to connect them with producers and provide upfront product information including availability, quantity, and packaging.

What data do our partners want?

Farmers

• Market data
  • Price lists from border states, direct to consumer vs. wholesale sales, and small vs. large market sales; data on the size and customer base of area CSAs
• Examples from other farmers
  • Sales records or accounting books from a similar farmer, new business opportunities to make small scale or part-time farming successful
• Value of programs
  • Data showing value of Minnesota Grown (e.g., the size farm or type of products that are the best fit for the program)

Market managers

• More support for existing efforts
  • Data include customer counts, weekly vendor counts, and money exchanged through food access programs
• A better way to collect and digitally organize existing vendor information

Retailers and food manufacturers

• Availability of specialty crops to use in processed products
• Information to facilitate a streamlined/upfront sales process
  • What product is available? How much can producers distribute? What area can producers distribute to? How many stores can they service? How can retailers access contact information?

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