The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is gathering ideas from residents as staff consider the state’s next biennial budget.

Farmers, food businesses and others impacted by food and agriculture systems are all invited to share policy, funding and program suggestions.

Residents may give their input during two virtual input sessions held via Zoom. Participation is free, but registration is required.Comments also may be submitted via an online form through Sept. 15. The Zoom sessions are scheduled for:

The Minnesota Legislature appropriates funds for the MDA and related agricultural activities through a two-year budget bill that is part of the state’s overall government funding. State budgets are set in legislative sessions that take place in odd-numbered years and are sometimes revised during sessions in even-numbered years. The next legislative session, beginning Jan. 3, will determine the next two-year state budget. Information about the MDA’s mission, leadership and responsibilities is available online.

Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all of its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.