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Welcome to the Marketing Minute, highlighting the
marketing and development activities of the
Minnesota Department of Agriculture |
Federal grant will help Minnesota Grown identify consumer trends
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has received a $60,000 federal grant to explore new marketing opportunities for food and agricultural products. Minnesota is one of 19 states to receive a Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
MDA will use the grant to identify trends in consumer preferences and to improve marketing efforts of farmers and ranchers who sell direct to consumers through the Minnesota Grown Program. Minnesota Grown director Paul Hugunin says the surveys will be conducted at apple orchards, berry farms, Christmas tree farms and farmers markets to help producers of these products better understand their customers.
"Specifically, we'll be analyzing how far people traveled to get to the farm or market, how many people were in the shopping party, how much they spent, how they heard about the farm or market, how often they shop there, why they chose that farm or market, and basic age and gender demographics."
Hugunin says results of the surveys will be reported back to the Minnesota Grown members and he expects to see some major changes from a similar survey conducted in 1998.
"Marketing trends and tools have changed significantly since then," said Hugunin. "Today with the Internet, consumers have more ways to find the products they want and read product reviews. The results of these surveys will help farmers better understand changing consumer demographics."
The consumer surveys will be conducted on-site and electronically beginning in September. |
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We want to see you at Farmfest and the State Fair!
What do biofuels and bugs have in common? Both will be part of the MDA's exhibit at Farmfest, August 2-4. We're featuring demonstrations and information about renewable fuels, water conservation, the Rural Finance Authority, Farm Core services, safe handling of anhydrous ammonia and the brown marmorated stink bug!
We also encourage you to stop by the Agriculture/Horticulture buildling during the State Fair, Aug. 25-Labor Day. Minnesota farmers will be featured at both the Minnesota Grown booth and the MDA booth where you can also register for a free grocery give-away.
And did you know, MDA will be defending its championship title in the annual "Agrilympics" - a challenge involving butter carving, milking, wool packing and animal calling. Who wants to take on the team of the new MDA Commissioner, Dave Frederickson, as well as his assistants, Matt Wohlman and Charlie Poster? |
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Sign up for bioenergy road tour
The University of Minnesota West Central Research Outreach Center in Morris is hosting a tour of community-scale bioenergy systems in Morris and Benson on July 27-28, following the Biomass '11 Conference in Grand Forks, ND.
The "Renewable Energy Road Tour" will include stops at the renewable hydrogen and ammonia pilot plant and biomass gasification system in Morris on the 27th, followed by tours of the District 45 Dairy Anaerobic Digester and the Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company and Fibrominn in Benson on the 28th.
MDA Biofuels Manager Christina Connelly says the first tour held last year was a great success.
"We had the unique opportunity to see some of Minnesota's most innovative bioenergy projects," said Connelly. "This year the tour will also be hosting a delegation from Manitoba which is touted as a leading province for Canada's bioenergy/bioindustrial sector. That will provide additional prospects for partnering and collaboration with our neighbors."
Register here or call Jean or Cory at 320-589-1711. |
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Upcoming events
Aug. 7-13
National Farmers Market Week
Aug. 25-Labor Day
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AG STATS
Nearly 200 lambs, calves and piglets are born at the Miracle of Birth Center during the 12-day MN State Fair.
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Ag exports increase 22 percent
Minnesota outpaced the nation in ag exports from 2009-2010.
The state exported $5 billion in agricultural products last year, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). This is an increase of more than $900 million (22 percent) from the 2009 total of $4.1 billion. Nationally, ag exports went up 13 percent.
State Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson says about one-third of Minnesota's total agricultural production is exported, representing a significant economic contribution to rural communities and to the state.
"These exports have a huge impact on our state's economic health," said Frederickson. "That's why it's important for our marketing staff to continue our focus on maintaining and building export markets in the U.S. and overseas."
Each dollar of agricultural exports generates an additional $1.36 in economic and business activities. Every $1 billion of agricultural exports supports 8,000 jobs throughout the economy. In Minnesota, more than 40,000 jobs are directly or indirectly related to agricultural exports.
Soybeans, corn, wheat, red meat, dairy and poultry were the top export commodities, accounting for 90 percent of the state's total agricultural exports. |
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