Minnesota Ag Co-Ops Fight Climate Change

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – Minnesota farming communities face a tall task in protecting themselves from the worst of climate change. A new report checks in on how co-ops are faring in testing out solutions using start-up dollars.

The Minnesota Farmers Union Foundation launched a grant program in 2023 to help new cooperatives pursuing climate resiliency. Co-ops are owned and controlled by their members, who share resources to meet economic and social needs. The foundation’s new findings show positive movement for emerging ventures led by farmers.

Hannah Bernhardt, owner and operator of Medicine Creek Farm, raises grass-fed beef in east-central Minnesota. With like-minded farmers in her area needing more freezer space, she said, the grant allowed them to do things they don’t always have time for, such as a feasibility study.

“Farmers are already farming. We’re pretty busy already,” she said. “And so, the challenge with a co-op is that you’re then also asking farmers to gather the information.”