Keep It Local
Family farmers, small business owners, and consumers are the fabric of Minnesota's communities, both big and small.
That's why, with our "Keep It Local" campaign, we aim to raise awareness of the challenges facing Minnesota's communities, while continuing to be the change-maker that supports local economies, promotes resilient Main Streets, and builds connections that make a difference.
Why Keep It Local?
Growing monopoly power is pervasive across the economy with three-fourths of industries growing more consolidated since the 1990s. Anticompetitive practices limit opportunities for independent businesses while reducing consumer choice.
Family farms and locally-owned businesses provide trusted services, create local economic opportunity, and strengthen community resilience.
Keep It Local - Connect
Farmers Union Processing + Meats
Farmers Union Processing + Meats
Livestock producers throughout Minnesota face limited access to processing facilities, creating bottlenecks and limiting opportunities to market their livestock. Farmers Union Processing + Meats was developed to help address that need.
Farmers Kitchen + Bar
Farmers Kitchen + Bar
Building on MFU’s work to protect and bolster farmers and rural communities, Farmers Kitchen + Bar is dedicated to being a seed for positive change, strengthening urban-rural ties through each farm-fresh meal they serve.
Advocacy
We are the legislative voice for farmers, ranchers, and rural residents in St. Paul and Washington, D.C.
During Minnesota's legislative session, our government relations team is at the Capitol each day working with legislators on behalf of our members.
Keep It Local - Food
Farmers Markets
Farmer Spotlights
The Farmer and the Chef
A collection of farmer-forward writings and chef-driven recipes. Featuring farm-restaurant partnerships from our former Minnesota Cooks program, this book strives to give readers an inside look into the life of farming in Minnesota.
Keep It Local - Business
Fighting Monopolies, Supporting Main Street
Fighting Monopolies, Supporting Main Street
Learn more about our work to fight corporate consolidation.
Small Business Roundtables Report
As of August 2026, Minnesota Farmers Union Foundation has convened seven Small Business Roundtables across Minnesota. This interim report summarizes the topline findings from these first seven roundtables, with more planned throughout the remainder of 2026.
Join us at an event near you!
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Meet the Candidates
What: Meet the Candidates When: Oct. 13; event starts at 6 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for supper service. Please support the host business, Frank ‘N Stein Restaurant and…
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Kandiyohi County Convention
What: Kandiyohi County Farmers Union Annual Convention. As a grassroots policy organization, our annual county meetings are an opportunity to gather, build community, and bring forth resolutions that guide our…
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MFU State Convention 2026
What: The 85th annual convention of the Minnesota Farmers Union will begin with registration at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 at the Delta Hotel Minneapolis Northeast and continue through Sunday,…
Farmers Union Welcomes Everyone
If you aren’t an active farmer but still care deeply about food security, renewable energy, trade issues, health care, land use, the environment and myriad other issues, you will find that Minnesota Farmers Union is a place where you have a voice. Help preserve family farms and rural communities by joining MFU as a consumer member.