MINNESOTA

State Organic Program: No

State certifier: No

Contact:
Meg Moynihan, Minnesota Dept. of Ag., St. Paul, MN 55107
Phone: 651-201-6616
meg.moynihan@state.mn.us
http://www.mda.state.mn.us

Programs providing organic support:
· Maintain a directory of USDA-Accredited Certifiers who accept Minnesota clients.
· Offer educational programs/speakers about organic rule, organic certification, growth and development of organics. Offer organic training to ag professionals (including SARE-funded "Organic Short Course for Ag Professionals" in 6 Minnesota locations).
· Produce bi-annual report, "The Status of Organic Agriculture in Minnesota"
· Maintain comprehensive website on organic producer and consumer issues
· Co-lead the Minnesota Organic Network - an information exchange to promote communication and collaboration on organic topics of mutual interest
· Respond to farmer requests for production information.
· Host the yearly Minnesota Organic & Grazing Conference
· Offer promotional and marketing assistance to Minnesota organic food companies.

Certifiers operating in state:
· Canadian Organic Certification Co-Operative Ltd.
· Certified Organic, Inc.
· Fertilizer and Seed Certification Services
· Global Organic Alliance, Inc.
· Indiana Certified Organic. Inc.
· Institute for Marketecology
· Integrity Certified International, Inc.
· International Certification Services, Inc.
· Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
· Midwest Organic Services Association, Inc.
· Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
· N.A.S.A.A.
· Natural Food Certifiers (NFC)
· OCPP/Pro-Cert Canada Inc.
· Oregon Tilth Certified Organic
· Organic Certifiers
· Organic Crop Improvement Association International, Inc.
· QAI, Inc.
· QCB Organic, Inc.
· Quality Certification Services
· Stellar Certification Services
· Washington State Department of Agriculture

Cost Share Program: Yes

History: Minnesota has had organic legislation since 1985. Statutes are currently being revised to comport with federal laws and rules. The organic sector in Minnesota is strong and growing. According to USDA Economic Research Service estimates, at 421, Minnesota has the fourth highest number of certified organic farms in the US. At 103,000 acres, Minnesota has the sixth highest number of organic acres in the US. Organic acreage in the state rose 62% between 1997 and 2001. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture estimates that the state is home to 80-100 certified organic processors.