By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation hosted its third annual Urban Ag Conference on February 14 at St. Paul College. The event brought together urban agriculture leaders, professionals, and community members for a full day of connection, collaboration, and learning.
The conference continued to grow and served as an important space for people involved in urban agriculture to gather and share ideas. It had created opportunities for participants to share their stories, build meaningful relationships, and learn from one another’s experiences.
The day began with peer networking sessions. These sessions allowed attendees to meet others in the field, discuss common challenges, and explore new ideas. After networking, participants attended breakout learning sessions that focused on important topics in urban agriculture.
The breakout sessions covered a wide range of subjects. These included long-term business planning, grassroots' advocacy, soil health, land access, and practical ways to extend the shelf life of produce. Each topic provided useful knowledge that supported both new and experienced urban growers. The sessions also encouraged open discussion and shared problem-solving.
Urban agriculture played an increasing role in local food systems and community development. Events like this conference helped strengthen that role by providing education and building partnerships. Participants left with new tools, stronger connections, and a better understanding of how urban farming contributed to the broader agricultural industry.
As the conference expanded, the Minnesota Farm Bureau looked forward to building stronger connections between urban and rural agriculture. By supporting communication and cooperation across different farming communities, the organization helped strengthen Minnesota’s agricultural network.
Photo Credit: minnesota-farm-bureau
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Education