Minnesota Farmers Union

ST. PAUL (April 15, 2011) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) applauds the signing today of S.F. 1016, the $76.8 million omnibus agriculture finance and policy bill by Governor Mark Dayton.  The Legislature passed the conference committee bill Thursday on a strong bipartisan vote that reflects support of the legislation. MFU also thanks the work of the Chairs of the Agriculture Committees Senator Doug Magnus (R-Slayton) and Representative Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake). 

From Minnesota Department of Agriculture:

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Bombarded by the "Buy Local" buzz?  News headlines and advertisements promoting locally grown foods are springing up more than ever.  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is making it easy for consumers to buy local by offering the updated 2010 Minnesota Grown Directory.

The Minnesota Grown Program has almost 30 years of experience providing information about buying locally and making healthy food choices, in the form of a printed guide.

"Packed with a record 840 listings, the directory is easily Minnesota's most comprehensive print and online guide to local foods," says MDA Agriculture Marketing Specialist Brian Erickson. The 2010 directory includes 120 farmers' markets, 107 apple orchards, 58 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms, along with many berry patches, garden centers and other places where you can purchase products directly from the farmer.

The Minnesota Grown Directory is made possible by listed farms and markets and through the support of many advertising sponsors, including repeat title sponsor, Minnesota Farmers Union.

From Minnesota Department of Agriculture:

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Membership in the Minnesota Grown Program is one of the best deals in town and Minnesota growers are urged to sign up now.  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites producers to join the more than 1,000 members who use the program to promote their locally grown farm products.  Minnesota Grown is open to farmers, ranchers, farmers' markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) farms, meat markets selling local meats, and local nurseries and garden centers.

A $20 annual fee gives members access to free merchandizing materials such as price cards, posters and stickers featuring the Minnesota Grown logo, as well as other tools designed to help differentiate their products from others that are not locally grown.  These free merchandising materials may be shared with retailers.  Producers who also sell direct to the consumer may list their products in the popular Minnesota Grown Directory for an additional $40.

Producers who have discovered the benefits of the Minnesota Grown Program are eager to share their praise.

"The Minnesota Grown Directory is the best source for retail customers and for our potato farm." Tom Wingard, Wingard Farms - Elk River