Minnesota's first urban ag conference draws full house

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) recently marked a significant milestone by hosting its first-ever Urban Agriculture Conference. Held at the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus on January 13, the event witnessed a full house with over 100 attendees, signifying the growing interest in urban agriculture. 

The conference provided a unique platform for attendees to engage in discussions about the challenges and opportunities in urban farming. It kicked off with a round robin-style networking session, allowing participants to share knowledge and connect with representatives from various organizations, including the Minnesota Farm Bureau, University of Minnesota Extension, Compeer Financial, the USDA, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

A highlight of the event was the lunch session, featuring insights from notable state leaders like Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, MDA Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey, Senator Aric Putnam, Representative Samantha Vang, and MFBF President Dan Glessing. Their speeches underscored the importance of urban agriculture in today’s farming landscape. 

The conference also delved into pressing issues through three afternoon panel discussions. Topics like land access, water usage, and grant/funding assistance for urban agriculturists were at the forefront, reflecting the unique challenges faced by urban farmers. 

Rachel Reisig, MFBF Director of Communications and the event organizer, expressed enthusiasm about the event's success. She highlighted the palpable energy and meaningful conversations that took place, emphasizing the passion of those involved in agriculture. The event underscored the commitment of the Minnesota Farm Bureau to foster ongoing dialogues in the agricultural community. 

Funded by a grant from the USDA Urban, Indoor, and other Emerging Agricultural Production Research, Education, and Extension Initiative (UIE), the conference marked a new chapter for urban agriculture in Minnesota. It not only addressed current issues but also set the stage for future developments in this evolving sector. 

Photo Credit: minnesota-farm-bureau