Minnesota Annual State Report

Project Overview

NCMN17-001
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2017: $110,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: University of Minnesota
Region: North Central
State: Minnesota
State Coordinator:
Kate Seager
Email
University of Minnesota Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Animal Production: feed management, grazing management, grazing - rotational
  • Crop Production: agroforestry, cover crops, cropping systems, forestry
  • Education and Training: display, farmer to farmer, networking, on-farm/ranch research, workshop
  • Natural Resources/Environment: biodiversity, soil stabilization
  • Production Systems: agroecosystems, organic agriculture
  • Soil Management: organic matter, soil quality/health

    Proposal abstract:

    Minnesota’s sustainable agriculture proposed Plan of Work (POW) addresses our state’s diversity of human and natural resources, and engages both rural and urban communities in the work of providing safe, healthy food and water for all Minnesotans. 

    Minnesota has a long history of activity in sustainable agriculture on many fronts, from farmers, University of Minnesota research and extension, state, federal and nonprofit partners. In Minnesota, because of an abundance of organizations and activities, the challenge is to stay informed of current work being done by our many partners in sustainable agriculture. 

    In 2017 and 2018 we will focus Minnesota SARE PDP resources on four initiatives: 1) Local Food Systems 2) Building Soil Health and Water Quality; 3) Sustainable adaptations for pollinators, pests and climate 4) Sustainable Livestock Systems. We will continue to solicit mini-grants to develop tours, field days, and workshops on the different aspects of the major initiatives. We will also continue to identify training opportunities and encourage travel scholarships in the Initiative areas. 

    “Face of SARE” work will also continue. SARE grants will be publicized on sustainable agriculture listservs and on appropriate Extension listservs, and we will continue to work closely with grant applicants, connecting them to people and other resources. We will meet with newly hired Extension Educators to make them aware of SARE opportunities. We will continue to work to increase the 

    Project objectives from proposal:

    Initiatives for 2017-18 are:

    Initiative 1: Sustainable adaptations for pollinators, pests and climate 

    Initiative 2: Local Food Systems 

    Initiative 3: Building Soil Health and Water Quality 

    Initiative 4: Sustainable Livestock Systems 

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.