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.

Task force members sought for health care reform project

The Minnesota Departments of Human Services (DHS) and Health (MDH) are seeking individuals to serve on two task forces that will support the Minnesota Accountable Health Model (ACH) initiative. In February the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) awarded Minnesota a $45 million State Innovation Model (SIM) grant for its ACH model, which is designed to provide better care at a lower cost. This effort is a joint initiative of DHS and MDH.

The two task forces are the Community Advisory Task Force and the Multi-Payer Alignment Task Force. The application deadline for both groups is April 23. Individuals may learn about the application process at the Open Commissions & Appointments page on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s web site: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/.

“To succeed we need the best ideas and insights from a diverse range of people, from those who are experts in health care to those who are experts in their own communities,” Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger said. “This is an exciting opportunity for Minnesota to strengthen the relationships between state government, health care providers and local communities.”

The ACH model will help communities assess methods intended to improve the health of their citizens. During a three-and-a-half year period beginning April 1, 2013, Minnesota will develop and test new ways that government, communities, social services organizations, public health departments and health care providers of all types can work better together.

According to Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson, the ACH initiative exemplifies why Minnesota leads the nation in health care reform: “The ACH model is an innovative approach that allows us to provide every Minnesotan with the opportunity to receive team-based, coordinated, patient-centered care while reducing costs across the health care system.”
By 2016 nearly 3 million Minnesotans are expected to receive care through this model, which is preliminarily projected to save $111 million from Medicaid, Medicare and private sources over three years

Deadline approaches to apply for Organic Advisory Task Force

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds residents that the deadline to apply for the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force (OATF) is June 26. The OATF advises the Commissioner of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota about policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in the state.

Due to a statutory requirement for staggered terms, there are eight vacancies this year. Members from the following categories or sectors are needed:

Two farmers using organic agriculture methods;

One organic processor;

One organic wholesaler and/or distributor of organic products;

One member of the University of Minnesota faculty;

One member representing a nonprofit producer organization;

One member representing the interests of the public; and,

One member representing the interests of consumers.

All members must be residents of Minnesota willing to serve a one-year term. Half-day meetings are held three or four times per year; members receive reimbursement for travel.

Task force vacancies are filled through the state's Open Appointments process. The application form is available at www.sos.state.mn.us (click the Open Commissions/Appointments icon) or by calling the Secretary of State's office at 877-551-6767. Applicants should specify the category/sector they represent and submit a cover letter with their applications.

Members will be appointed by the Agriculture Commissioner in consultation with the University of Minnesota.

Minnesota is a leader in organic farming in the U.S, with more than 700 certified organic farms and more than 200 organic processors, according to MDA estimates.

Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force seeks eight members

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking members to fill eight scheduled vacancies on the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force (OATF). Authorized by Minnesota Statute, the OATF advises the Commissioner of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota about policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in the state.

Minnesota is a leader in organic farming in the U.S, with more than 700 certified organic farms and more than 200 organic processors, according to MDA estimates. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson says this growing agriculture and food sector needs and deserves support from public institutions like the Department of Agriculture and the University.

“Consumer demand for organic food and other products is surging,” Frederickson said. “We need task force members who will share their ideas and opinions on ways we can help Minnesota’s organic farmers and processors meet that demand.”

Members from the following categories or sectors are needed:

Two farmers using organic agriculture methods; one organic processor; one organic wholesaler and/or distributor of organic products; one member of the University of Minnesota faculty; one member representing a nonprofit producer organization; one member representing the interests of the public; and, one member representing the interests of consumers.

All members must be residents of Minnesota willing to serve a one-year term. Half-day meetings are held three or four times per year; members receive reimbursement for travel.

Task force vacancies are filled through the state's Open Appointments process. The application form is available online at http://webmail.loretel.net/scripts/webmail.exe?cmd=url&xdata=~2-e3542cf57aa5d72d411ed524fe7a94750184afc19fa1ab91988f9e959600&url=http!3A!2F!2Fwww.sos.state.mn.us (click the Open Commissions/Appointments icon) or by calling the Secretary of State's office at 877-551-6767. Applicants should specify the category/sector they represent and submit a cover letter with their applications.

The deadline to apply is June 26, 2012. Members will be appointed by Commissioner Frederickson in consultation with the University of Minnesota.