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The Root Review - Mid Quarter Nibble
The State of Minnesota brings to you this special, mid quarter edition of the Root Review newsletter. With so many events and opportunities coming up in the months ahead, we didn’t want any Farm to Kids champions to miss out. Thank you for all you do to support Minnesota's kids, schools, and agriculture.
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AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Urban Agriculture Grants. New this year, MDA is offering two opportunities under the AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant umbrella:
- The AGRI Urban Agriculture Youth Education Grant supports projects that establish or expand agriculture-based education programs serving youth.
- The AGRI Urban Agriculture Community and Economic Development Grant supports projects that strengthen community development or increase economic vitality through urban agriculture.
Grant funds may be used to purchase equipment, make physical improvements, develop curriculum, provide transportation to Minnesota farms for youth field trips, and more!
Applications due by 4:00 pm on Thursday, Feb. 26.
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Farm to School Institute Info Sessions
January 20, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
January 22, 7:00 - 8:00 am
The Minnesota Farm to School Institute is a team-based, year-long professional learning opportunity for schools to develop skills and action plans for growing their Farm to School program. Register below for an information session to learn more and to hear from past and current Institute participants.
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Farm to School Roadshows - New Dates!
February 2026 - April 2026
Farm to School Roadshows are returning in 2026! This year's batch of roadshows will be hosted by Renewing the Countryside and offer in-person networking and training opportunities for school nutrition professionals, early care providers, producers, and farmers. More details to come!
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - Hutchinson
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - Brainerd
Thursday, March 26, 2026 - Bagley
Friday, March 27, 2026 - Mankato
Monday, March 30, 2026 - Cloquet
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - Roseville
Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Rochester
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Minnesota School Garden Conference
March 13, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Save the date! The 2026 School Garden Conference will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318). Registration to open soon - check the Minnesota Ag in the Classroom website for the most up to date information!
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Get ready for the 2026 Cream of the Crop Awards!
Hosted by the Minnesota Grown Program, the Cream of the Crop Awards recognize K-12 school districts, early care centers, and family day cares for their outstanding leadership in buying, serving, and promoting local foods. Gather your stories, photos, and examples of your Farm to Kids efforts and get ready to show off the ways that you’ve connected kids to local food!
Applications will open at the end of February. Keep an eye on the Cream of the Crop Awards website for more information as the application window approaches.
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