The Minnesota Department of Agriculture reported that two new invasive insects were reported to the MDA’s Report a Pest Service. The two new invasive insects were reported by two separate homeowners. The two insects have been identified as the Elm Seed Bug and the Asiatic Garden Beetle. The elm seed bug has piercing sucking mouthparts…
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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced that Minnesota organic farmers and handlers are able to apply for a rebate of up to 75% of their organic certification costs. Organic certification is a third-party verification system that assures consumers the organic products they buy are produced in accordance with federal organic regulations. Organic operations must follow…
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Two Grants that aim to increase local purchasing in Minnesota Farm to School and Early Care programs are now open for applications through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. $935,000 in grants will be available to Minnesota school districts and early childhood education centers to purchase Minnesota grown and raised foods for the use in federal…
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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for noxious weed and invasive plant grants. Counties, municipalities, tribal governments and weed management entities are eligible to apply for these grants. Applications for these grants are being accepted till 3:00 pm on September 22 2023 and applications can be reviewed and downloaded on the Minnesota…
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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced that applications are now open for their Soil Health Financial Assistance Grants. According to the Department of Agriculture these grants will be available for individual producers, producer groups, and local governments to purchase or retrofit soil health equipment. Grant awards will provide up to 50% cost-share, with a minimum…
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Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson discussed the continued drought conditions across the state after some areas in the state were classified as D3 on the drought index. Peterson also talked about some resources the state of Minnesota might have to combat the drought. A D3 drought is defined as an extreme drought. Some potential impacts…
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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has received $12.25 million through the USDA’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program to strengthen the state’s food supply chain between the farmer and consumer. Mike Zastoupil, ag and food systems planner with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, talks about what the grant money will be used for. Zastoupil says there…
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St. Paul, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are partnering to offer free suicide prevention trainings for rural faith leaders this April and May. Clergy and lay leaders who serve rural congregations of all faiths and denominations are welcome. “Faith is an important cornerstone in the lives…
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Network with ag leaders at the 25th annual Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference (WALC) on April 12 at The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This year’s WALC theme “Sterling History” plays into the 25th anniversary tradition of silver – and it also serves as a metaphor for the long-term value the conference provides. “Back in 1998 when Robin…
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