The food scene here in Minnesota is fierce. Think of big names like Cargill, General Mills, Hormel, and Land O'Lakes. But also, think of the little guys, especially now.
Rising costs for food, along with high interest rates, are forcing consumers to cut back on discretionary spending. Minnesota saw nearly 9 million food shelf visits in 2024, a new record, with a 2.5 times increase since pre-pandemic times, showing more families struggle with basic needs. And, when people can’t buy food, the producers hurt too.
That’s why help is on the way.
“We want to make it very easy and accessible for people to be able to enjoy the opportunities we have to offer,” said Patrice Bailey, assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), which, along with ShelettaMakesADifference.org (SheMAD), is hosting a free virtual event titled Growing Food & Agricultural Businesses on Monday, February 2. “This is so people don’t have to figure this out alone,” Bailey added.
The Feb. 2 virtual event is geared towards consumer-packaged goods (CPG) food businesses that manufacture in Minnesota. The economic impact of these businesses is vast.
According to 2022/2023 statistics from the Consumer Brands Association, Minnesota's CPG sector supported more than 66,000 jobs or 13% of the state’s jobs. CPG generated $8.2 billion in direct labor income and added $5.8 billion in value, with a total economic impact of more than $58 billion.
Bailey says MDA’s event on Feb. 2 will include information on how businesses can access help or bridge the gap during uncertain times. “We have a ton of grants,” Bailey explained. “There could be something that is tailored to you.”
The virtual event will help food entrepreneurs understand what support and resources are available through the MDA. Attendees will learn what programs and grants can help with marketing and growth. Other topics include what licenses or next steps are needed to grow a food business, how to find commercial kitchen space, or the difference between selling under cottage food and selling wholesale.
“The whole point is to make it easy for folks to learn how they can access grants for food production, commercial kitchens, and whatever else they need to continue to stay successful entrepreneurs,” Bailey added.
To register for the free virtual event on Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. go here.