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Virtual Exhibit Hall

Thank you to our 2022 sponsors! Click on each organization or business name to learn more.

Sustainer

$8,000+

Latino Economic Development Center

McKnight Foundation

 

Ag Country Farm Credit Services

Headquartered in Fargo, N.D., AgCountry has managed assets in excess of $11 billion and over 700 employees. They are a member-owned, locally-governed lending institution that provides credit and financial services to more than 25,000 farmers and ranchers in portions of Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. They also provide agribusiness loans and leases nationwide. AgCountry is a part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of cooperative financial services institutions that serve rural America. For more information, visit, www.agcountry.com.

Albert Lea Seed

Albert Lea Seed is a third generation family- & employee-owned farm seed company in business for 100 years. We specialize in organic & non-GMO farm seed of all types including: corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, barley, specialty grains, alfalfa, clovers, forages, grasses & grass mixes, cover crops, sweet corn & garden seed. 

AURI

AURI’s mission statement is to: foster long-term economic benefit for Minnesota through value-added agricultural products. We help develop new uses for agricultural products through science and technology, partnering with businesses and entrepreneurs to bring ideas to reality. Our focus areas are food, biofuels, renewable energy, bio-based products, and co-product development.

Compeer Financial

We are a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. Our organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Crossroads Resource Center

CRC works with community based efforts to construct networks of support that will ensure that emerging farmers and food businesses will thrive over the long term. We focus on food system assessment, business development, public presentations to make the case for community food webs, and like to co-create new tools with our partners.

Environmental Initiative

 Environmental Initiative is a non-profit organization that centers people by creating spaces where individuals with diverse perspectives are invited to come together to implement environmental solutions in partnership. We believe that we are better together and working collaboratively is the only way we will solve the biggest environmental challenges facing Minnesota and beyond. We aspire to achieve greater impact, effectiveness, and positive outcomes for Minnesota’s environment.

Farmers' Legal Action Group

Lakewinds Food Coop

Lakewinds Food Co-op is a community-owned, local grocery store with the highest standards around. We have three stores in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, 300+ employees, and a passion for local, sustainably grown food. Our mission is to promote sustainable agriculture, support local makers, sustain our communities, and protect our planet. We give back to the local farming community as well as nonprofits and food access organizations through our community giving programs. There’s no membership required to shop — all are welcome, and we’d love to meet you! Find out more at Lakewinds.coop or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Marbleseed

Formerly known as MOSES, Marbleseed is a nonprofit committed to supporting farmers in their transition toward sustainble, organic farming systems that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially just. We work in community with human-scale farmers to support peer-to-peer learning with free and farmer-led programs, print and digital resources, and in-person events that support thriving regenerative and organic farms and food systems.

McKnight Foundation

The Midwest Climate & Energy program focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, at scale, as quickly as possible in the Midwest. McKnight’s work engages the region’s communities in pursuing ambitious climate goals, recognizing that this work requires a healthy democracy grounded in racial and economic justice. We pursue this work through grants, investments, convenings, and community engagement.

Mill City Farmers Market

Mill City Farmers Market is Minneapolis’ trusted source for healthy, local and sustainable groceries, combining a vibrant marketplace with nourishing community connection. Our Charitable Fund designed the Next Stage Grant to provide funding to local, regenerative farmers and other food producers who are improving sustainable farming and business practices or growing toward the “next stage” of their local food businesses. Learn more about the Next Stage Grant

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

MN Department of Agriculture

Minnesota Farmers Market Association

MFMA supports all the farmers’ markets and vendors in MN. We offer training on: laws and regulations governing markets and vendors; food licensing and regulations; sales tax; social media and promotions on a budget; market management; profitability for markets and vendors; running farmers’ market food hubs; offering food access programs like SNAP EBT, Power of Produce, etc. Most importantly, we advocate for and influence public policy for all farmers and food makers in Minnesota’s local foodshed. With our allied organizations, we are leading the effort to collect data / metrics on the economic value of local and direct marketing farmers. Additionally, we are organizing weekly reports during the growing season on the impacts the environment is having on food production; and price reports on specific products at market. We offer free monthly Open Forums on the 1st Mondays of every month to discuss current events in Minnesota’s farmers’ market industry. Our annual conference is virtual again this year, December 7 and 8, via Zoom.

Minnesota Grown

Minnesota Grown connects consumers and wholesale buyers who want to support local to Minnesota farms, markets, and other producers of agricultural products. Benefits available to Minnesota Grown members include: listings in our online directories, searched by 350,000 users per year, license to use the MN Grown label to promote your products or market, unlimited free marketing and promotional items (price stickers, twist ties, rubber bands, plant stakes, price cards, etc.), eligibility for a cost share program to help with the costs of product labels or signage, eligibility for promotion to tens of thousands of Minnesotans via marketing on television, search engine ads, social media, newsletters, PR campaigns, and more. Memberships cost just $20-$60 per year, depending on the level of benefits you choose. These fees are matched 4:1 by state dollars to support our programs to promote Minnesota producers. Learn more at minnesotagrown.com/members-retailers/.

North Circle Seeds

We are an organic vegetable seed company committed to creating an ecologically diverse, equitable, and inclusive food system. We do this through an intentional relationship with our seeds and our circle of Midwestern growers, who produce regionally adapted seed using chemical-free, sustainable and organic practices.

Ralph K. Morris Foundation

The Ralph K. Morris Foundation is a nonprofit corporation which provides development opportunities for emerging leaders expressing interest in applying and advancing the principles of cooperation, and in promoting farmland preservation, land stewardship and sustainability.

Renewing the Countryside

Knowing how to farm and having a foundational understanding of farm finances does not translate into a new farmer being able to find, afford and secure land. To address the farmland access challenges facing beginning farmers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. We offer services that assist farmers in developing an access plan that includes: clarifying goals, identifying priorities for suitable farmland, understanding available financing, reviewing personal financial readiness, assessing technical and practical farming skills readiness, understanding elements of good and equitable farmland leases, reviewing the suitability of specific farms, and providing specialized knowledge, expertise, and connections to professionals for further assistance. These resources are offered as one-on-one coaching with Farmland Access Navigators, technical assistance from advisors, workshops and webinars.

River Market Community Co-op

River Market Community Co-op is community-owned grocery store in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota. Since 1978 we have cultivated relationships with growers, grazers, makers and bakers. We prefer to source local products whenever possible and delight in making every attempt to meet the needs of our community.

Roots Return Heritage Farm LLC

RRHF LLC is a first-generation woman-owned farm incubating emerging farmers from all backgrounds, growing the next generation of food producers and land stewards. We utilize continual no-till cover crops, soil health stewardship, nutrient-dense production methods and principals. Tillable land, perennial fruits, equipped processing shed, tools, farm stand + parking lot, area markets help hone skills prior to producers going out on their own.

Sustainable Farming Association

SFA is a nonprofit organization of about 1,300 members – farmers, consumers, ag professionals, educators and advocates – united in their interest in land stewardship, regenerative ag and incorporating soil health principles into the context of their farm business. Our farmer-led staff and ten regional chapters across the state create diverse opportunities for farmers to learn from each other: how to innovate, adapt and evolve to better mimic nature and improve their farm business.

Sustane

Suståne Natural Fertilizer is the world’s leading manufacturer-exporter of organic and natural based fertilizers. Our products are approved for the production of organic fruits and vegetables and are OMRI listed, representing the highest standard in organic fertilizers. The same products that have long been trusted by professional growers and backed by over 30 years of independent research are now available to home gardeners through our retail product line.

Twin Cities Co-op Partners

Twin Cities Co-op Partners exists to build community by developing a strong, local, food system. Our mission is rooted in the belief that providing access to real food made by real people makes a difference in our lives, our neighborhood and for our planet. We provide the highest quality products available while upholding the values and needs of our diverse community. The co-op has always served as a gathering place, where everyone is welcome every day.

Wedge Community Co-op: Your bustling, vibrant urban market 2105 Lyndale Ave. S. Mpls, MN 55405

Linden Hills Co-op: Your friendly neighborhood store 3815 Sunnyside Ave. Mpls, MN 55410

University of MN: Julie Grossman

The Grossman Soil Agroecology Lab explores the ways in which we can better manage legume-rhizobia relationships to enhance soil health, with the ultimate goal of developing sustainable and resilient food production systems. We conduct research alongside farmers to increase adoption of management practices that improve soil sustainability.

UMN Extension

University of Minnesota Extension provides research-based education on farming of all types of crops, produce, and livestock. Our faculty and Extension educators on the horticulture, crops and livestock teams can answer all types of questions to help your farm succeed.

US Dept of Agriculture: Farm Service Agency

We are here to serve you! The Farm Service Agency (FSA) implements agriculture policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster and farm marketing programs. Through our network of county FSA offices and dedicated personnel, we are proud to offer a variety of programs to assist you. You can find your local county office online at the USDA service center locator.

US Dept of Agriculture: NRCS

Natural Resources Conservation Service

WI Farmers Union

The Wisconsin Farmers Union membership is made up of people from all walks of agriculture and life. From conventional to organic, rural to urban, our members find community in an organization that empowers them to have a voice in the issues that affect them. Wisconsin Farmers Union isn’t just for farmers. We also welcome consumers who want to participate in our programs and advocate for family farming.