MINNESOTA FOOD WORKS

Minnesotans care about their farms and their foods, and it shows! The state has an amazing array of government, non-profit and for-profit organizations working to strengthen and support the local food economy and bring great local foods to Minnesotans. Recognizing our shared goal of promoting local foods, we came together to discuss common issues and promote one another's work.

Visit our partners' websites to learn more about their work, and stay tuned as this valuable collaboration develops.

Food Alliance is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable agriculture by recognizing and rewarding farmers who produce food in environmentally friendly and socially responsible ways, and educating consumers and others in the food system about the benefits of sustainable agriculture.

The Green Routes website is an easy-to-use tool to help you find one-of-a-kind places to eat throughout Greater Minnesota. The website also identifies unique places to play, shop, sleep, and learn-places where the owners are committed to using principles of sustainability in managing their enterprises.

Choose restaurants that display the Heartland Food Network logo. These establishments and participating distributors actively support local farmers and communities by purchasing local foods.

Land Stewardship Project (LSP) features two farmer directories: the Stewardship Food Network (a list of LSP farmer and retailer members marketing sustainably produced vegetables, fruits and grains, meats and dairy products) and a directory of CSA farms delivering to shareholders in the Twin Cities metro area. This website also provides links to numerous other farmer lists, organizations, and resources that connect consumers to fresh, local foods.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Sustainable Agriculture and IPM Programs provides farmers and consumers with information and programs on organic production practices, certification, market trends, and other topics.

Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) is a nonprofit membership-based organization that works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. Membership is open to farmers and non-farmers.

The Minnesota Grown Program features a statewide directory of nearly 650 farmers, markets, and CSA's who market directly to consumers. Search on-line by product or location or request a free printed copy by mail.

The Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) has a mission to foster connections between the sustainable agriculture community and the University of Minnesota. MISA's website includes links to local food directories, informative publications about local food, and contact information for staff members who can answer questions and help people make connections with researchers.

Renewing the Countryside profiles innovative examples of small food makers, farmers, and other rural entrepreneurs across the country.

The UMN Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships create partnerships between communities and the University of Minnesota that encourage production and use of locally grown foods and the development of self-reliant regional systems that provide nutritious food, nurture healthy environments and create economic opportunities for the people of Minnesota and our neighbors.