ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota food retailers and manufacturers have a new directory to turn to when searching for organic ingredients grown in the state. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has updated its Directory of Minnesota Organic Farms to help connect certified organic farmers with brokers, grocery stores, restaurants, and food manufacturers that are seeking organic ingredients.
Organic farmers volunteered to be listed in the directory. It lists 215 of the estimated 700 certified farms in Minnesota both by location and by what they produce, making it easier for buyers to find what they are seeking. The directory includes information for 45 products, including grains and oilseeds, fruits, vegetables and livestock.
Jamie Pfuhl, executive director of the Minnesota Grocers Association, has served on the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force and says the directory is an important resource.
“Our members place a priority on sourcing organic products from farms in their area of the state, and a resource directory like this provides a valuable tool in creating those partnerships,” Pfuhl said.
Meg Moynihan, principal administrator of the MDA Organic and Diversification program, points out that the directory is also a useful tool that organic farmers can use to find and contact each other. For example, dairy farmers may use it to locate certified organic hay, grain, or straw.
An electronic version of the directory is posted at www.mda.state.mn.us/organic. Hard copies are available by calling 651-201-6012.
This directory is for intermediate and large-scale buyers. Consumers wishing to purchase organic products should refer to the Minnesota Grown Directory (www.minnesotagrown.com) where they can find organic farms that sell direct to consumers.
