Minneapolis, Minn. – National Farmers’ Market Week (NFMW) is taking place August 1-7 in communities across the country. Minnesota will wrap up the week of celebration at a public event on Saturday, August 7 at the Midtown Farmers’ Market located at 3032 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis in the Moon Palace Books parking lot. There will be shopping and activities for guests throughout the morning, with a presentation from dignitaries including Minnesota’s Commissioner of Agriculture Thom Petersen from 10:00-10:30 a.m. “I’m thrilled to be celebrating the vital role farmers’ markets play in connecting Minnesota producers to buyers seeking fresh, healthy, local food,” Petersen said.
Following the presentation, Petersen and a special guest will demonstrate the preparation of their chosen farmers’ market drink of the month—Midtown Iced Tea. Samples will be available for guests at this free event that is open to the public. The event is being presented in partnership by the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association (MFMA), Minnesota Grown (MG), Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU), and the Midtown Farmers’ Market.
NFMW is a yearly celebration sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which highlights the value markets bring to communities and the important role they play in the U.S. food system. Each year, farmers’ markets across Minnesota participate in the event by creating their own independent celebrations. "National Farmers' Market Week is a great opportunity to celebrate local markets and to highlight the essential role that small and mid-size farmers play in our local food shed,” said Kathy Zeman, Executive Director of the MFMA. “The Midtown Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to wrap up this years’ week-of-celebration. They host over 50,000 visitors a year, were awarded Best Farmers’ Market of 2020 by City Pages, and were the first farmers’ market in Minnesota to accept SNAP. The Midtown Farmers’ Market combines great energy, a wonderful supply of locally grown foods, and great culture.”
According to statistics by the USDA, farmers’ markets and farm stands account for roughly $2 billion of the $3 billion that Americans spend annually on farm-direct products. This revenue supports the livelihoods of more than 165,000 mostly small and mid-sized farmers. Agriculture is the foundation of Minnesota's economy, and Minnesota currently has more than 350 farmers’ markets located in all corners of the state. “Farmers’ markets are an important part of the economy and an invaluable connection between farmers and consumers,” said Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) President Gary Wertish. “Farmers bring healthy, fresh, nutrient-dense foods to markets where consumers spend their dollars directly with family farmers who in turn invest those dollars to grow their communities. Minnesota Farmers Union is proud to support Minnesota Farmers’ Markets not only during National Farmers’ Market Week, but throughout the year.”
In 2020, early in the pandemic, farmers’ markets in Minnesota were deemed essential, and market operators worked tirelessly to keep markets open. The NFMW celebration looks to honor that hard work and success. “We are so excited to host the National Farmers’ Market festivities at the Midtown Farmers Market,” said Molly Fleming, assistant manager. “We have been committed to operating full seasons during the pandemic and uprisings our city has faced, only cancelling one market in 2020. We strive to be a community gathering space, and a place for healing and hope in the Southside.”
Schedule of Activities:
- Guest speakers
- Midtown Market’s Keeya Allen
- MFMA’s Kathy Zeman
- MFU’s Gary Wertish
- MDA’s Thom Petersen
- Farmers’ Market Drink of the Month: Midtown Iced Tea – sampling available
- Other shopping and activities
About the Midtown Farmers’ Market:
The Midtown Farmers’ Market has been operating since 2003 and was founded as a community effort between residents, businesses, and non-profits. The mission of the Midtown Farmers’ Market is to create a vibrant forum in South Minneapolis that connects community residents and nearby rural food producers in a mutually beneficial economic and cultural exchange. In 2019-2021 they have been hosted by Moon Palace Books at Lake and Minnehaha but will return to their original home at Lake and Hiawatha at a new civic plaza.
About the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association:
The Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association (MFMA) provides services, programs, and leadership that support and promote farmers’ markets across Minnesota. The organization works to foster a community of vibrant, profitable and professionally managed Minnesota farmers’ markets that cultivate, nourish and inspire a vibrant local foods landscape. The MFMA vision is to create greater accessibility to local, farm-fresh foods and to allow opportunities for local food producers to thrive and grow.
About Minnesota Grown:
The mission of the Minnesota Grown Program of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is to create consumer awareness of Minnesota Grown products, increase demand for Minnesota Grown products and to link buyers and sellers of these products. The program publishes a comprehensive online map directory of participating members. Participants in the program are a diverse group of farmers and processors, including farmers markets, nurseries and garden centers, apple orchards, berry farms, Christmas tree farms, honey producers, maple syrup producers, livestock producers, wineries, community supported agriculture farms, and other producers of specialty crops and livestock.
About Minnesota Farmers Union:
Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org, and follow MFU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is notifying Minnesotans that changes to the Cottage Food Law went into effect on August 1, 2021. Key changes to the law include:
- Registered Cottage Food Producers can now make and sell pet treats (dogs and cats only), provided certain conditions are met.
- The annual gross receipts cap has increased from $18,000 to $78,000.
- Labeling must include the individual’s name and registration number OR the individual’s name and address and all product labels must also include the statement, “These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection.”
More information can be found on the MDA Cottage Food Registration page and the Cottage Food Law Guidance page.
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Media Contact
Margaret Hart, MDA Communications
651-592-6908
Margaret.Hart@state.mn.us
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is looking for proposals for two Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) grants that aim to increase local purchasing in Farm to School programs.
School districts across Minnesota could receive a total of $748,000 for purchasing Minnesota-grown and -raised foods used in school meal programs, through the MDA’s next round of AGRI Farm to School grants. School districts may apply for one of two grants:
- Farm to School First Bite Mini-Grant: Grants are intended for school districts that have little to no experience with local procurement as part of a Farm to School programming.
- Farm to School Full Tray Grant: Grants are intended for school districts that have some Farm to School procurement experience.
“We’re happy the Legislature expanded funding for these important programs to help get kids fresh, local, healthy food,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “In addition to helping them buy fresh food, these grants can now help increase schools’ capacity to store and prepare them.”
This year, applicants for both the First Bite and Full Tray grants may also apply for up to $25,000 for equipment purchases, in addition to funds for food. Both First Bite and Full Tray Grant applicants must match the equipment portion of their grant on a 1:1 basis. Schools may not apply only to fund equipment purchases.
The First Bite grant is intended to be an intentional learning process for the applicant. Recipients in FY2022 will not be eligible for the First Bite grant in subsequent funding rounds. School districts may apply for a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $5,000. There is no match required.
The Full Tray grants will be awarded to school districts that have experience purchasing Minnesota-grown and -raised products but want to expand their Farm to School programs. Applicants may apply for up to $35,000 based on the district size. Grants require a 1:1 match.
Applications for AGRI Farm to School First Bite and Full Tray Grants must be submitted by 4 p.m. Thursday, November 4, 2021.
Funding for this program is made available through the 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.
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Media Contact
Larry Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6629
Larry.Schumacher@state.mn.us
September Food Safety and Defense Task Force Meeting
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 September 14th 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: 146 789 5430
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.
Wilkin County Soil Health Demonstration Site Field Day
Join us for an overview of the demonstration site as we highlight the soil, water and economic analysis for each tillage treatment (conventional tillage, strip-tillage, and no tillage). After lunch a number of demonstrations will be made, including the NRCS rainfall simulator, wind erosion simulator, Soil Your Undies, and more.
There is no cost to attend the event. If you are planning to stay for lunch please RSVP to the Wilkin Soil and Water Conservation District by July 9th. (218-643-2933 ext. 3 or Kimberly.melton@mn.nacdnet.net)
The site is located 1 mile north of Breckenridge, Minnesota. See the flyer for a map.
The AgBMP loan program provides loans for projects that reduce existing water quality problems
Waste Pesticide Collection (Clay County)
334 First Street SE
Ulen, MN 56585
Dispose of your waste weed killers/herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and other pesticides. The MDA sponsors opportunities to properly dispose of unwanted pesticides from farms, businesses or homes. Minnesota pesticide users can bring their waste pesticides to any of these events and dispose of up to 300 pounds free of charge. For amounts greater than 300 pounds call MDA at 612-214-6843.
WASTE PESTICIDES ONLY!
No Paint, No Fuels, No Crop Oils, No Rinsates, No Recycling
Waste Pesticide Collection (Marshall County)
420 S. Main
Warren, MN 56762
Dispose of your waste weed killers/herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and other pesticides. The MDA sponsors opportunities to properly dispose of unwanted pesticides from farms, businesses or homes. Minnesota pesticide users can bring their waste pesticides to any of these events and dispose of up to 300 pounds free of charge. For amounts greater than 300 pounds call MDA at 612-214-6843.
WASTE PESTICIDES ONLY!
No Paint, No Fuels, No Crop Oils, No Rinsates, No Recycling
Waste Pesticide Collection (Kittson County)
1275 Atlantic Ave S.
Hallock, MN 56728
Dispose of your waste weed killers/herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and other pesticides. The MDA sponsors opportunities to properly dispose of unwanted pesticides from farms, businesses or homes. Minnesota pesticide users can bring their waste pesticides to any of these events and dispose of up to 300 pounds free of charge. For amounts greater than 300 pounds call MDA at 612-214-6843.
WASTE PESTICIDES ONLY!
No Paint, No Fuels, No Crop Oils, No Rinsates, No Recycling