Non-white cultures still overlooked in Minnesota's food industry, state ag department official says

Sep 16, 20210

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Lisa Schutz, director of the Southeast Minnesota Food Rescue and Redistribution Program and vendor at the Rochester Farmers Market, stand behind her products at the Rochester market on Sept. 3, 2021. Noah Fish / Agweek

Patrice Bailey, assistant commissioner with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, said although the demographics of Minnesota are changing to be more diverse, there's not enough cultures being represented in the state's ag industry.

Bailey oversees the state's Emerging Farmers Working Group, which was created in the 2020 legislative session to advise Minnesota's Commissioner of Agriculture and legislature "regarding the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that support emerging farmers in this state."

Members of the working group represent farmers or aspiring farmers who are "women, veterans, persons with disabilities, American Indian or Alaskan Natives, members of a community of color."

https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/agriculture/7189111-Non-white-cultures-still-overlooked-in-Minnesotas-food-industry-state-ag-department-official-says