​We are so excited to be having our friends from the south joining us at the 2nd Annual Growing Acres Conference! Join us for a conversation about developing strategies for local food systems that are both geographically and economically accessible, including an amazing project that joins a farmers market, church, food truck and community!

Forging a Path toward Food for All
Jan Libbey, Executive Director, Healthy Harvest of North Iowa

Tahmyrah Lytle, Office Manager, First Church, United Church of Christ, Mason City 

​Sarah Enke, Social Worker, Community Health Center of Mason City – To be confirmed

​In 2018 we were inspired by Sara George and her journey to creating a Farmers Market Aggregation program at the Wabasha Farmers Market. This year we'll get a look at how the pilot project, organized by Renewing the Countryside with a select group of farmers markets, faired this past summer.

Farmers’ Market Aggregation Pilot Update
​Jan Joannides, Renewing the Countryside
At our 1st Annual Conference we had Sara George as a presenter who shared with us her journey of creating a Farmers’ Market Aggregation program at her market. In 2018, a pilot program was held based off Sara’s experiences and we will have the opportunity to learn more about the results of this program.

Friday Exhibitor:    
Visit with Jan Joannides from Renewing the Countryside to learn about how they strengthen rural areas by championing and supporting rural communities, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, activists and other people who are renewing the countryside through sustainable and innovative initiatives, businesses, and projects. Of great interest today is the Farmers Market Aggregation project, local sourcing, Feast opportunities and farmland access.

​We think you'll love the amazing projects that the UMN Extension has available and the many ways that the Health and Nutrition Programs can connect to healthy and local food projects. Come get inspired with us!

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UMN Extension Southeast Region-Projects Promotion
​Thelma Garcia/Susan Draves
UMN Extension
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A look at the many collaborative projects U of MN Extension and SNAP-Ed has participated in and the various ways that Extension connects to community gardens, farmers markets, school gardens, vegetable prescription programs and more.

​We are so happy that Okey Ukaga will be joining us on Friday, February 15th to share what the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships is and how they work with partners on projects by connecting university faculty, students and other resources with the aim to improve economic, social and environment sustainability of greater Minnesota.