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Minnesota Emerging Farmers Working Group
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has formed a working group tasked with identifying barriers facing what it terms as “emerging farmers.”
MDA Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey says the group’s goal is to advance the success and sustainability of anyone who traditionally cannot access the necessary resources to build a profitable agricultural business.
“I’m just really excited that we’re able to change the narrative of what agriculture is in the state of Minnesota in regards to highlighting women entrepreneurs, vets, people of color, native indigenous, as well as our existing farmers.”
He tells Brownfield access to land, water, and finances are the biggest obstacles for emerging farmers.
“Some lending practices are racial in nature in terms of profiling. It goes from barriers of information, not knowing what opportunities are out there when it comes to loans, grants, and just really information of how do I get started.”
The MDA’s Emerging Farmers Working Group will hold five public listening sessions across the state beginning November 8th.
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