Maps of Organic Farms and Processing Facilities in Minnesota Now Posted
Contacts: Jeff Falk, University News Service, (612) 626-1720
Drew Swain, University News Service, (612) 625-8962
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (07/14/2006) —The University of Minnesota’s Organic Outreach Coordinator, Jim Riddle, announced today that maps showing county-by-county locations of certified organic farms and processing facilities in Minnesota are now posted on the university’s organic Web site, www.organicecology.umn.edu
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recently compiled maps showing the locations of organic farms and processing facilities in Minnesota. The maps show that there are currently 507 certified organic farms and 137 certified organic processing facilities in the state.
Counties with the largest numbers of organic farms are Stearns, Winona, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston and Otter Tail. Counties with the most organic processors are Hennepin, Ramsey, Polk, LeSueur, Goodhue and Winona.
“Minnesota is a leader nationwide in the production of organic crops and livestock products,” said Riddle. “The University of Minnesota has the largest certified organic acreage at any land grant university in the country, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has been quite supportive of the growth of the organic sector in the state.”
For more information on the University of Minnesota’s organic agriculture research and outreach programs, visit the Web site, or contact Jim Riddle, 31762 Wiscoy Ridge Road, Winona. Phone - (507) 454-8310. Cell - (507) 429-7959.