CFANS hosts GreenSeam for the State of Agriculture 2025

Today, the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources (CFANS) hosted GreenSeam for the presentation of The State of Agriculture 2025 Report. The event brought together leaders in industry, government, research, academia, and communities to explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of agriculture.

GreenSeam plays a pivotal role in advancing agriculture and agribusiness across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. By fostering collaboration between businesses, communities, and educational institutions, GreenSeam drives innovation and economic growth in the region’s food and agriculture sectors. Their annual State of Agriculture report delivers valuable insights into the sector’s economic impact, highlighting its contributions to job creation, technological advancement, and community resilience.

The State of Agriculture 2025 Report promises to be a critical resource for understanding Minnesota agriculture’s current landscape and its path forward. The report analyzes agriculture’s economic influence, spotlighting its capacity to drive growth and adapt to global challenges. It also identifies emerging trends and outlines areas where policy innovation can ensure the continued success and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

Thom Petersen, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, wished attendees a happy State of Minnesota “Agriculture Day,” as proclaimed by Governor Tim Walz and shared his perspectives on agriculture in the state and the critical work of Minnesota’s 65,000 farmers.

The Consul General of Canada to the Upper Midwest, Beth Richardson, offered valuable insights into the importance of cross-border collaboration between the U.S. and Canada in the agricultural sector. She shared the striking fact that a trillion dollars is traded yearly between Canada and the U.S. — the biggest instance of trade between countries in the entire world, ever. Canada also is a top export market for U.S. agricultural products; in 2023, more than $19.6 billion of processed food and beverage products made in the U.S. were exported to Canada. In fact, Minnesota alone exported $1.2 billion in goods to Canada, including corn, grain alcohol, and more.

Beyond exploring the latest data and trends, this event gave attendees the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and connect with professionals across the food and agriculture sectors. With the combination of GreenSeam’s expertise, insightful analysis from The State of Agriculture 2025 Report, and perspectives from leading voices in the field, the event inspired meaningful conversations and action toward a stronger, more sustainable agricultural future.