Urban Ag Conference

9 a.m. - Registration opens

9:30 a.m. - Welcome

10 a.m. - Breakout Session - Round 1

11 a.m. - Breakout Session - Round 2

Noon - Lunch and Networking

1 p.m. - Breakout Session - Round 3

2 p.m. - Breakout Session - Round 4

3 p.m. - Event Closing and Optional State Legislative Session Preview 

Schedule Subject to Change

Registration for this event is free, and includes lunch. Please register to help us plan for meals and for space accommodations.

Attendees with dietary restrictions are encouraged to indicate their needs on the registration form so we may work with the venue to accommodate them.

With the support of our sponsors and exhibitors, we’re able to keep this event accessible, affordable, and impactful. Sponsorships help us provide high-quality programming and outreach to urban farmers across the state.

If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Rachel Reisig, rachel.reisig@fbmn.org.

Sessions will be repeated during Rounds 1 and 2, giving attendees the opportunity to attend multiple sessions during the event. 

Long-term Success Through Planning Farming in urban settings can be more expensive, distribution harder, and competition bigger. For urban farms to be sustainable (both environmentally and financially), they need a strong business plan with achievable goals. Receive a crash course on how to start a business plan or build on your already existing one.

Presented by Erik Heimark, Renewing the Countryside

Grassroots Advocacy 101 When farmers and ag advocates show up together, consistently, and with a clear message, we can see change in legislation. In this session, see what grassroots advocacy looks like from building relationships with elected officials, testifying or submitting comments, showing up at hearings, and using groups like Farm Bureau to amplify agriculture’s story, and leave with simple ways to get involved and make a difference.

 Grow Confidently Urban soils can be full of surprises and understanding what’s in your soil is the first step to producing healthy food and protecting your community. Meet experts and learn how to test urban soils, interpret results, and what to do next if contaminants or imbalances show up. We’ll cover common soil concerns plus practical mitigation strategies so you can grow food that’s not just productive, but safe.

Presented by Kevin Ellis, Conservation Specialist - Hennepin County

Sessions will be repeated during Rounds 3 and 4, giving attendees the opportunity to attend multiple sessions during the event. 

Bridging the Urban/Rural Farm Gap While there are obvious differences between urban and rural farms, there are also similarities. This session will connect urban and rural farmers to build relationships and understanding to strengthen agriculture in Minnesota.

Adding Value to Produce and Extending the Selling Season With Food Safety in MindWith shortened growing seasons in Minnesota, finding ways to safely process and add value to the items grown on your farm is an important step in extending the lives of those items while adding additional cash flow. Hear from experts in the cottage food industry with tips and best practices while keeping food safety at the forefront.

Presented by Autumn Stoll, University of Minnesota Extension Dakota County

Finding (and Keeping) Space to Grow For many urban farmers, getting land is the first and hardest step. From high costs and short-term leases to zoning questions and competing development pressures, land access can make or break a farm. This session will explore pathways to secure growing space in urban areas, including how to evaluate a site, working with landowners, cities, nonprofits, and land trusts, and tips for long-term stability.

Presented by Grace Rude, Homegrown Minneapolis and Valentine Cadieux, Twin Cities Community Agricultural Land Trust

Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture

University of Minnesota Extension - Hennepin County

Renewing the Countryside

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development