For immediate release: Contact:

Aug. 13, 2019 Brita Moore, (651) 308-2435 or brita@mfu.org

Minnesota Farmers Union supports family farmers, youth

in agriculture at Minnesota State Fair
ST. PAUL – Since the 1950s, Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) has had a presence at the
Minnesota State Fair on the corner of Dan Patch Ave. and Cosgrove St. It became the
Farmers Union Coffee Shop in 2003, offering locally roasted coffee and locally grown food.
Today, it is a place at the fair for visitors to connect with MFU, our state’s family farmers
and their food.

“The Minnesota State Fair’s roots are in agriculture,” said MFU President Gary Wertish.
“We’re doing our part to honor that by supporting Minnesota family farmers in the food we
serve at the Farmers Union Coffee Shop. We make sure customers know where their food is
coming from and how much family farmers mean to our state. That’s especially important in
this time when farmers face low prices, unpredictable weather, high health care costs, trade
disruption and market consolidation, which are causing great stress in agriculture.

“The average Minnesotan is multiple generations removed from the family farm. We help
inform consumers about agriculture at the Farmers Union Coffee Shop.”

The Farmers Union Coffee Shop has been a part of the official State Fair New Foods list
many times. This year is no exception: The Blueberry Key Lime Pie and Lavender Lemonade
are featured among the 2019 selections. MFU partners with local food-focused Birchwood
Cafe of Minneapolis on these, as well as on the Heirloom Tomato & Sweet Corn BLT. The
BLT, a hit with fairgoers in 2018, will return, now with the option to add an egg. Ingredients
are sourced from Minnesota family farmers and businesses who are listed on a map inside
the coffee shop.

The full-service coffee shop offers products from two St. Paul businesses: JS Bean Factory’s
Farmers Union Farmers Choice Coffee, hot and cold, including the popular Maple Cream
Nitro Cold Press Coffee; and Grand Ole Creamery ice cream bars. It will also offer espresso
drinks, chai tea, hot chocolate, milk and mocha frappes. All dairy products at the coffee shop
are sourced from Stony Creek Dairy in Melrose, Minn.

While reading about MFU and enjoying their treats, fairgoers can listen to local bands
performing at the coffee shop and view videos showcasing MFU members and history.

In addition to the coffee shop, MFU participates in many other activities at the Minnesota
State Fair. They are:
 ● Aug. 23, 2:30 p.m.: 26th Annual Celebrity Milking Contest, sponsored by MFU, taking
place at the Moo Stage at the Moo Booth.
● Aug. 24, 5:45 p.m.: MFU at the 4-H Purple Ribbon Livestock Auction, taking place at
Compeer Arena.
● Aug. 25, 7:45 a.m.: 35th Annual Milk Run 5K, sponsored by MFU, taking place along
Randall Ave.
● Aug. 25, 10:30 a.m.: 4-H Dairy Showcase Awards, sponsored by MFU, taking place at
Compeer Arena.
● Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: 17th Annual Minnesota Cooks™ Day Program in Dan Patch
Park. Fairgoers can pick up free 2020 Minnesota Cooks calendars at the event, as
well as at the Farmers Union Coffee Shop any time after it.
● MFU sponsors the championship signs given to 4-H and FFA Grand Champions and
the back number cards worn by 4-H and FFA show participants.

The Farmers Union Coffee Shop is at 1635 Dan Patch Avenue, just inside the Snelling
Avenue Gate.

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union is a grassroots family farm organization that works to protect
and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers, ranchers and rural
communities.

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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org).