EAGAN, Minn. – The second annual Urban Ag Conference, hosted by the Minnesota Farm Bureau, is set to welcome over 100 participants this weekend.
This free event will take place at St. Paul College, offering urban farmers the chance to connect with peers and engage with local and state leaders on key issues facing urban agriculture and food systems. The event begins at 9 a.m. and will run until 4:15 p.m.
The conference will feature three panel discussions, along with resource and knowledge-sharing sessions to help farmers access valuable organizations and resources. A full schedule, including speaker details, is available at https://fbmn.org/Participate/Urban-Ag-Conference.
Media are welcome to attend the conference.
Urban Ag Conference
Saturday, February 22, 2025
St. Paul College City View Cafe
235 Marshall Ave, St. Paul
Schedule of Events
9 a.m. – Registration Opens
9:30 a.m. – Welcome
9:45 a.m. – Knowledge Share and Networking
Tabling organizations include: University of Minnesota Extension, USDA, Farm Business Management, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, MN SEED Project
11 a.m. – Panel – How to be an Advocate
Featured panelists include:
- Grace Rude, Public Health Specialist, Homegrown Minneapolis
- Maikao Vue, office of Sen. Foung Hawj
- Abdulahi Abdalla, office of Rep. Betty McCollum
- Moderated by Loren Dauer, Minnesota Farm Bureau
Noon – Lunch and Networking
1 p.m. – Panel – Growing the Next Generation
Featured panelists include:
- Michael Chaney, Project Sweetie Pie
- Michael Luseni, Minneapolis Public Schools
- Mesay Doyamo, Ag Instructor, Willmar Public Schools
- Elijah Doyamo, University of Minnesota CFANS student
- Moderated by Laura Wyatt, AFSA High School Ag Instructor
2 p.m. – Panel –Diversifying Your Farm
Featured panelists include:
- Friendly Vang-Johnson, Minnesota Farmers Market Association and Friendly Hmong Farms
- Jonathan Kilpatrick, Sustainable Farming Association
- Moderated by Carolyn Olson, Vice President, Minnesota Farm Bureau
3 p.m. – Closing Remarks
3:15 p.m. – Optional Knowledge Share and Networking
About the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation
To ensure Minnesota’s agricultural vitality, the Minnesota Farm Bureau amplifies its members’ voices through engagement, grassroots advocacy and agricultural awareness. Learn more about our efforts as an advocate for our 31,000 members and 78 county and regional Farm Bureaus at www.fbmn.org.
