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Promoting the Strength of Minnesota's Agricultural Economy
Welcome to the MDA Marketing Minute,
the marketing e-newsletter from the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture |
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Plenty puzzled in "Name that Produce" contest
Minnesota Grown spokesperson Carrie Tollefson and Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson took on Twin Cities TV personalities in a "Name that Produce" contest to kick off National Farmers Market Week. Thankfully, Tollefson (a U.S. Olympic runner) and her teammate came through in record time to accurately identify eight varieties of produce.
Other team captains competing at the Minneapolis Farmers Market event earlier this week included WCCO-TV reporter Heather Brown and FOX 9 -TV reporter M.A. Rosko. Hugoson and Tollefson (shown above with participants from the audience) had their work cut out for them and all teams needed help from market vendors to verify their answers.
In conceding his defeat to Tollefson's team, Hugoson said it was a tough competition for all the contestants.
"Of course we could all identify the cob of corn (laughs), but when it came down to broccoli leaves and bitter melons, many of us were scratching our heads," said Hugoson.
The eight produce varieties included Chinese broccoli, diakon radish, okra, potato greens, sweet corn, bitter melon, baby bok choy and leeks.
Many Minnesota farmers markets had special events this week to promote and support local farmers during National Farmers Market Week.
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MN Grown "Prize Patrol" surprises farmers markets statewide
The Minnesota Grown "Prize Patrol" has been busy traveling to all corners of the state to help local farmers markets celebrate National Farmers Market Week. The Prize Patrol passed out prizes to shoppers at farmers markets from Worthington to Willmar to Duluth and many cities in between.
Minnesota Grown spokesman Paul Hugunin says the Prize Patrol made an effort to visit several newly established markets.
"It's great to stop by these newer markets to meet the vendors and let them know how becoming a Minnesota Grown member can help them market and sell their products," said Hugunin. "In addition, consumers at these markets liked showing their support for local farmers and foods by wearing the Minnesota Grown hats and shirts they received as prizes."
The winners (such as those shown above) displayed a Minnesota Grown bumper sticker on their vehicles to be eligible for prizes.
"Kudos to the managers of our farmers markets," said MDA Assistant Commissioner Robin Kinney during a stop at the Worthington Farmers Market. "They are working very hard to attract and retain vendors and to host events that appeal to their customers." |
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2009 was another good year for ag exports
Minnesota's total agricultural exports last year were estimated at $4.3 billion, a second historical high. Minnesota's total ag exports in 2008 reached a record high of $5.5 billion and while the 2009 figures dropped, it still pushed Minnesota from 7th to 6th among states in ag export sales. Exports are crucial to Minnesota's agricultural economy, contributing about one-third of Minnesota's total agricultural sales.
The USDA agricultural trade multiplier estimates that each dollar of agricultural exports generates another $1.36 in economic and business activities. Every $1 billion of U.S. agricultural exports support 8,000 American jobs throughout the economy. In Minnesota, more than 32,000 jobs are directly or indirectly related to agricultural exports.
Minnesota's top agricultural export commodities include soybeans, corn, livestock products, wheat, and feeds. The top five commodities account for 88% of Minnesota's total agricultural exports.
Canada is the largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, followed by China, Mexico, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The top six markets accounted for 63 percent of the U.S. total agricultural exports in 2009, up from 58% in 2008. The top 10 fastest growing markets are China, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Viet Nam, Russia, and Turkey. |
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AG STATS
Agriculture is the largest exporting sector in Minnesota, contributing 24% of Minnesota's total exports.
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Join MDA 2011 trade mission to Dubai
MDA International Trade Specialist Shannen Bornsen is organizing a February 2011 trade mission to the Gulfood Show in Dubai. Bornsen says state agribusinesses should think seriouly about the potential of this growing market.
"The Gulfood show is one of the biggest food shows in the world, said Bornsen. "The 2010 show drew more than 55,000 visitors from 153 countries and that was up about 18 percent from the previous show."
Bornsen said the U.S. sent more than $4.7 billion in ag exports to the Middle East in 2009 and this year's sales are up about 26% over last year.
Bornsen has twice attended the Gulfood Show and says she was impressed to see company officials writing up sales agreements right at the show.
"Of course, results are different for every company, but I have yet to find a company that has said Gulfood isn't worth the effort," said Bornsen.
Booth space fills up quickly so Minnesota companies interested in joining the trade mission to the Gulfood Show in Dubai should contact Shannen Bornsen asap.
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MASDA supports rail reform
The Midwestern Assoc. of State Departments of Agriculture (MASDA) is pushing for bipartisan rail reform legislation. At its annual meeting last month, MASDA members passed a resolution calling on President Obama and Congress to enact the Surface Transporation Board Reauthorization Act. MASDA said it seeks to ensure shipper access to competing railroads. The group also supports the Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009 which would remove the current railroad antitrust exemptions.
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