MDA announces keynote speakers for 2017 Minnesota Organic Conference

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is pleased to announce that two outstanding keynote speakers will headline the 2017 Minnesota Organic Conference in January.

Renowned agroecologist and farmer Fernando Funes-Monzote will share insights about challenges for organic agriculture in Cuba on Thursday, January 12. Donald Wyse will highlight the Forever Green Initiative and offer insights on improving economic opportunities for farmers on Friday, January 13.

Funes-Monzote’s background as a scientist, scholar, and lecturer in the science of sustainable agriculture, known as agroecology, has brought him international accolades. He is a founding member of the Cuban Association of Organic Agriculture and earned a nomination for the 2015 Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize for Outstanding Career in Agriculture. Funes-Monzote owns and operates Finca Marta, Cuba’s premiere agroecology operation, which dedicates its efforts to activating the local economy, creating jobs, valuing rural life, and protecting the environment.

Professor Wyse was the founding director of the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and the Midwestern Cover Crop Council. He also initiated the development of the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships at the University of Minnesota. His research includes diversification of cropping systems, weed management, and renewable energy systems. Wyse currently serves as co-director of the Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Agricultural Management at the University of Minnesota.

The Minnesota Organic Conference will be held January 12-13, 2017 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. Learn more about the event’s educational sessions and trade show and register for the conference at http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTYxMTE0LjY2MjY0MzMxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE2MTExNC42NjI2NDMzMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2ODY5MjU2JmVtYWlsaWQ9aW5mb0ByZWRsYWtlbmF0aW9ubmV3cy5jb20mdXNlcmlkPWluZm9AcmVkbGFrZW5hdGlvbm5ld3MuY29tJnRhcmdldGlkPSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&101&&&http://www.mda.state.mn.us/food/organic/conference.aspx.

To request larger files of each image, including the Minnesota Organic Conference logo, please contact alauna.yust@state.mn.us.