New Minnesota Grown Directory now available

  ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has released the 2017 Minnesota Grown Directory. With over 1,000 listings, this year’s guide features more local growers and farmers markets than ever before.

For more than 25 years, the MDA’s Minnesota Grown program has been connecting consumers to locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats and poultry, wines, nurseries, décor, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations, and other agricultural products. More than 1,000 Minnesota Grown members have registered this year, making the directory the largest direct-to-consumer agricultural publication in Minnesota.

“The Minnesota Grown directory is the first place lots of consumers look for a local agricultural product, or a CSA or farmers’ market,” said Agricultural Marketing and Development Director Paul Hugunin. “Our farmer members love connecting with their consumers, and that’s why it’s so exciting to see that this year’s directory features more farms and markets than ever.”

Consumers can search the directory by region, product, or name of a farm or market. The online and mobile-compatible versions of the directory make searching on-the-go convenient. The 2017 directory also features recipes from five Minnesotan chefs, including a Doraisamy elk loin, roasted garlic crème brulee, wild rice scones, and more.

Free, printed copies of the Minnesota Grown Directory are available at www.minnesotagrown.com/order-minesota-grown-directory/or by calling Explore Minnesota Tourism at 1-888-TOURISM.

Minnesota Grown Directory seeking new members

          ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is updating its popular, statewide, Minnesota Grown Directory filled with direct to consumer farms and farmers markets. Membership and Directory listing are open to Minnesota producers who grow or raise products. The 2014 edition promoted 978 farms and farmers markets. Minnesota Grown has more than 1,200 members including fruit and vegetable farms, livestock producers, farmers markets, CSA farms, orchards, garden centers, farm wineries, Christmas tree growers and more.

170,000 copies of the Minnesota Grown Directory are released annually in April and distributed statewide in tourist centers, libraries, chambers of commerce, farms, and retailers. Farms who advertise in the printed Directory are also included in the online edition, which was redesigned and had more than 290,000 unique visitors in 2014. The new, mobile friendly, website was improved to simplify searches for Minnesota products and farms.

“The demand for local foods has increased dramatically the last few years,” said Ag Marketing Specialist with the Minnesota Grown Program, Jessica Miles. “Our Directory is the most comprehensive and commonly used guide to local foods and plants available in Minnesota. It’s also becoming an excellent resource for family activity ideas and learning opportunities.”

While memberships are accepted year-round, farms must sign up or call Jessica Miles by February 6, 2015 to be included in the 2015 printed Directory.

“For $60 farmers can get an entire year’s worth of advertising both online and in print,” said Miles. “They’ll also have access to other great Minnesota Grown member-only benefits, such as use of the trademarked logo and FREE stickers, price cards and other promotional items. Just don’t delay and call right away because the deadline to be included in the printed Directory is February 6, 2015.”

Potential new members may sign up and pay online by clicking on the “Members & Retailers” tab at www.minnesotagrown.com, then clicking on “Become a Member” or contact Jessica Miles at 651-201-6170, jessica.miles@state.mn.us to request an application by mail or with questions.

2014 Minnesota Grown Directory loaded with local farms

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The annual Minnesota Grown Directory is now available, just in time for spring.  The directory is a statewide guide to purchasing directly from local producers.  The 2014 edition boasts a record setting 978 farms and includes the most Community Supported Agriculture farms and farmers markets.

The 2014 directory turns a new page by featuring spokeswoman and Minnesota Olympian Carrie Tollefson’s family by her side. “This is in line with our transition from showing Carrie as a ‘world-class athlete’ to a ‘world-class mom.’ Carrie’s athletic accomplishments and her genuine passion for local farms continue to make her the ideal spokeswoman for the Minnesota Grown Program,” said Minnesota Grown marketing specialist Jessica Miles. “Carrie and her family whole-heartedly believe in eating healthy, local food whenever possible.”

The Tollefsons’ also exemplify the directory’s growing number of family friendly activities, recipes and educational agriculture facts and trivia. Parents and educators can use these exciting activities as a tool to introduce and attract kids to agriculture. The directory also contains ideas for dining out or crafting a Minnesota Cooks inspired recipe in your kitchen.

You can order free, printed copies of the Minnesota Grown Directory by calling Explore Minnesota Tourism at 1-888-TOURISM.  You can also order your copy online or look up local farms at www.minnesotagrown.com. The online directory makes it easy to find farms via product, city, zip code, or the interactive map.

MDA invites farmers to advertise in the Minnesota Grown directory

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is updating its popular statewide Minnesota Grown directory of farms and farmers markets. Minnesota producers who grow or raise products to sell directly to consumers are eligible to be in the directory. 970 farms and farmers markets were included in the 2013 edition of the directory.

The MDA distributes 190,000 copies statewide through tourist centers, libraries, chambers of commerce, farms and retailers. Farms advertising in the print directory are also included in the online edition, which had more than 265,000 unique visitors in 2013. Sign up by January 31, 2014 to be included in this year’s print directory.

“The demand for local foods has increased dramatically over the last few years,” said Jessica Miles, agriculture marketing specialist with Minnesota Grown. “Our directory is the most comprehensive and commonly used source to find local foods and plants in Minnesota.”

The 2014 directory will be released early April, just in time to start planning spring and summer activities. The release of the new directory will coincide with the launch of a redesigned website, which will have a new look and be easier to use and navigate.

“For just $60, farmers can get an entire year’s worth of advertising both online and in print,” said Miles. “They’ll also have access to other great Minnesota Grown members-only benefits such as use of the trade marketed logo and FREE stickers, price cards and other promotional items! Just don’t delay!”

The Minnesota Grown Program was created nearly 30 years ago as a way to differentiate locally grown produce from that shipped in from far away. The program has grown steadily and now has more than 1,200 members, including fruit and vegetable farms, livestock producers, farmers markets, CSA farms, orchards, Christmas tree growers, garden centers, wineries and many more.

Potential new members may sign up and pay online by clicking on the “Members” box at www.minnesotagrown.com, or contact Jessica Miles at 651-201-6170 or jessica.miles@state.mn.us to request an application by mail or with additional questions.

Governor Dayton declares August 4-10 Farmers Market Week

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed August 4-10, 2013, as “Farmers Market Week” in Minnesota to celebrate the benefits of farmers markets and the agricultural products farmers provide.

The popularity of farmers markets has increased, in part, because of the interest in healthier foods and lifestyles and an increased understanding of the importance of maintaining small, sustainable farms.  Local farmers are able to offer consumers a variety of products including heirloom vegetables, heritage breeds of livestock, and other specialty products.

Minnesota Grown spokesman Paul Hugunin says more than 160 farmers markets are found in the Minnesota Grown Directory.

“The Directory makes it easy to find what locally grown foods are available at the farmers market in my neighborhood and at hundreds of locations throughout the state,” said Hugunin. “These markets not only offer farm-fresh, healthful products, they also provide an important opportunity for consumers and farmers to interact.”

Many farmers markets throughout the state are hosting special events during Farmers Market Week.  Contact your local farmers market to find out more or find farmers market locations in the online version of the Minnesota Grown Directory at www.minnesotagrown.com. The online Directory allows people to locate a farmers market by day of the week as well as by location. Free printed copies of the Directory are also available online or by calling 1-800-657-3878.

Capitol Farmers Market opens this Thursday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Capitol Farmers Market is set to open again this summer near the Minnesota State Capitol. The Capitol Farmers Market is a satellite of the St. Paul Farmers Market and is expected draw hundreds of state employees with offices in and around the Capitol complex. Hours for the market, which is open to the public, will be 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. every Thursday from July 11 - September 26.

The Capitol Farmers Market is operated by the St. Paul Growers Association and will feature plenty of fresh produce, including a wide variety of greens, fruits and vegetables for Capitol complex employees to purchase just in time for weekend cooking at home or at the cabin. Vendors will also offer meats, flowers and other products for sale throughout the summer growing season and into the fall.

Minnesota Grown spokesman Paul Hugunin says the market is another venue for St. Paul consumers to connect with farmers.

“Response from shoppers last year was tremendous and it’s wonderful to have the market open again this year,” said Hugunin. “The market offers more marketing opportunities for Minnesota farmers and more healthy food choices for state employees and the public.”

The Capitol Farmers Market is one of more than 160 farmers markets listed in the online Minnesota Grown Directory at www.minnsotagrown.com. You can also order a free directory by calling 1-888-TOURISM.

The Capitol Farmers Market is located along Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, directly south of the State Capitol.

MN Grown Directory is back

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Finding great locally grown foods is at your fingertips when you pick up a copy of the new Minnesota Grown Directory. The 2012 directory makes it easy to locate orchards, farmers markets, berry farms and garden centers where you can purchase products directly from the grower. 

Minnesota Grown spokesperson Carrie Tollefson again graces the cover of this annual publication. She says fresh fruits and veggies are an important part of a healthy diet and buying them locally helps support Minnesota’s farmers.

“I grew up in rural Minnesota and know how hard our farmers work to produce the food we eat,” says Tollefson. “The Minnesota Grown Directory makes it easy to find what locally grown foods are available in my neighborhood and at hundreds of locations throughout the state.”

More than 190,000 copies of the free guide are distributed by tourist information centers, farms, libraries, real estate agents, retailers, and other supporters of local growers. The printed directory is made possible by the participation of more than 945 listed growers, more than 20 advertising sponsors, and repeated cover sponsorship by the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU). 

A complimentary copy of the Minnesota Grown Directory may be ordered by calling Explore Minnesota Tourism at 1-888-TOURISM (1-888-868-7476). The guide is also offered online as a searchable database on the Minnesota Grown website at http://webmail.loretel.net/scripts/webmail.exe?cmd=url&xdata=~2-e3542cf57aa5d72d411ed524fe7a94750184afc19fa1ab91988f9e959600&url=http!3A!2F!2Fwww.minnesotagrown.com.

FAQ about farmers’ markets answered at upcoming conference

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association’s (MFMA) 2012 spring conference is a great venue to learn just about everything about the farmers’ market business. The conference will be held Thursday, March 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Waite Park, Minnesota. This will be a full day of educational sessions presented by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), as well as one-on-one consultations, mentoring and networking opportunities, and prizes!

Conference sessions will cover a variety of topics such as Review Your Insurance Policy; Consult with an Advisor; Set up a Website or Social Media Account; Understand 2012 Legislative Changes; Tax Considerations & Food Safety Requirements; Create an Effective Product Display; Manage Conflict; and Map Your Assets.
All current and prospective farmers’ market representatives, growers, specialty craft producers, and those promoting food assistance and nutrition programs eating are encouraged to attend.

The conference location is the American Legion Silver Star Post 428, 17 2nd Avenue North in Waite Park. Registration and refreshments will begin at 8:30 a.m. and a lunch, with food contributions from local producers, will be provided onsite. Interested exhibitors should email info@mfma.org for pricing and availability.

Online attendee registration is available at www.mfma.org. Significant discounts are offered when pre-registering by March 1.

Food Support program expands access to nutritious food at farmers markets

This summer, dozens of additional farmers markets across Minnesota are expected to accept federally funded Food Support benefits, expanding access to nutritious food for low-income people. The change is part of a collaborative effort involving the Minnesota Department of Human Services and community partners.

In addition to helping recipients, use of Food Support benefits at farmers markets also helps Minnesota family farmers and communities by supporting the local economy.

A sampling of communities with participating farmers markets include: Albert Lea, Alexandria, Austin, Bagley, Bemidji, Bloomington, Mankato, Morrison County, Northeast Minneapolis, Richfield, Rochester, Staples and Duluth. Many of these open on May 7. For a listing of farmers markets accepting Food Support, check out the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Farmers Market Directory. There are more than 140 farmers markets in Minnesota.

“Food Support enables low-income Minnesotans to meet their nutritional needs,” said Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. “Accessing benefits at farmers markets makes it easier for people to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. We are excited about the rapid increase in the number of farmers markets accepting payment via Food Support benefits.”

Some farmers markets are further enhancing the impact of shopping at farmers markets by increasing the purchasing power of Food Support benefits redeemed there. Matching incentives, such as those offered at the Rochester Downtown Farmers Market and Midtown Farmers Market in Minneapolis, have greatly increased the redemption rate of Food Support benefits.

Private foundations and public funds help pay for matching programs, such as Market Bucks, for every dollar a Food Support recipient spends at participating farmers markets. This allows Food Support recipients to purchase additional healthy food.

For more information about Food Support, contact your county social service agency or call the Minnesota Food Helpline, 888-711-1151.