New Organic Advisory Task Force Members

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Dave Frederickson has announced 15 appointments to the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force (OATF), which was authorized by the Minnesota Legislature during the 2013 session.

Minnesota Statute charges the OATF with advising both MDA and the University of Minnesota (U of MN) about policies and programs to improve organic agriculture in Minnesota. Through the State’s Open Appointments process, the commissioner appoints members in consultation with the dean of the U of MN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the dean of Extension. 

The task force meets two to four times per year and members serve three year terms.

Commissioner Frederickson says that in order to achieve a wide diversity of viewpoints, he considered the balance of expertise, experience, geography, gender and previous service on an earlier OATF.

“The deans and I want candid feedback on what Minnesota organic farmers and businesses needs in terms of outreach, education, research, and technical assistance,” said Frederickson. “I was impressed at the number of experienced applicants willing to serve on the OATF.”

The 15 appointees are:

Organic Farmers: Adam Goeltz (dairy), Maple Lake; Douglas Hilgendorf (crop), Welcome; Jackie Hoch (fruit), La Crescent

Organic Processors: Anthony Schiller, SunOpta Grains & Foods, Inc., Blooming Prairie; Jessie Vander Poel, Grain Millers, Inc., Eden Prairie

Organic Retailers: Melissa Goodson, Valley Natural Foods, Apple Valley

Organic Wholesalers/Distributors: Sharon Hannigan, J & J Distributing, Saint Paul

Organic Consumers: JoAnne Berkenkamp, Minneapolis

                                     
Organic Certifying Agencies: Michelle Menken, Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, Saint Paul

Nonprofit Organization Representing Producers: Carolyn Olson, Lyon Co. Farm Bureau (chair), Cottonwood

The Public: Ryan Crum, Minneapolis; Amanda Heyman, Minneapolis

United States Department of Agriculture: Anna Parker, Risk Management Agency, Saint Paul

U of MN Faculty: Rob King, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Saint Paul

U of MN Extension: Brad Heins, Animal Science, Morris

The first OATF was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1990.  A full slate of members is appointed every term the OATF is reauthorized.