REDWOOD COUNTY, Minn. – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) Climate and Working Lands Program Director Ariel Kagan spoke at two forums today at Farmfest, held at Gilfillan Estate in Redwood County.

At the first forum, Climate-Smart Practices for Livestock Producers, Kagan talked about recent state and federal investments in soil health, climate-smart agriculture and the more than 25 projects funded through the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities that are seeking Minnesota farmers as participants.

In the second forum, Understanding Climate-Smart Practices and Policies, Kagan talked about the Farmers’ Guide to Carbon Market Contracts in Minnesota, how MFU members are asking for information on climate resilience and the many ways farmers can access the carbon market.

“Climate resilience is about making our landscapes, communities and farm families stronger,” Kagan said. “Minnesota farmers have an opportunity to lead in these emerging markets for climate-smart commodities. The conversations today reflect that agriculture truly is a solution for the ever-increasing impacts of climate change.”

Minnesota Farmers Union is a leader in the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Minnesota Working Group, which coordinates efforts and shares information on the projects funded in Minnesota through the USDA climate-smart grant program, and a partner in the Virginia Tech Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture pilot program. Learn more about the climate and working lands program at MFU at mfu.org.

Farmfest continues through Thursday. Find the schedule of events here.

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 mfu.org, and follow MFU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org).