Programs Renewable Energy We create opportunities for entrepreneurs and communities to invest in and profit from wind, biomass and solar energy. We bring together community, economic development, agricultural and environmental interests to advance the knowledge, capacity, opportunities and policies needed for a thriving clean energy industry in Minnesota. Initiatives Community Energy Provides guidance, leadership development, and project assistance to increase energy self-sufficiency while building community, adding to the local economy and creating models for other communities. Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) Provides communities across the state with the resources to plan and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Rural Energy Development Initiative (REDI) Resources and Greening of University Avenue Provides communications and education outreach to encourage the implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and local clean energy business development. Local Foods We promote growing, distribution and consumption of sustainably produced local food. We bring together community partners to assess food needs and create programs to increase the equitable supply and accessibility of fresh local food. Initiatives Heartland Food Network A collaboration of Minnesota dining establishments, catering companies, institutional food service buyers and food distributors, all seeking to promote local foods. Fruits of the City A volunteer harvesting initiative donating locally grown fruit to community food shelves. Urban Farm Incubator Provides land access and training to increase local food production through micro-farming. Neighborhood Food Project Assessing needs in community “food deserts” and creating food access programs built on community input and resources. Sustainable Agriculture We work to ensure that markets adequately reward family farmers for growing diverse crops while protecting soil and water resources. We bring together agricultural and environmental interests to create policies and programs that benefit family farms, improve the sustainability of food, fuel and fiber production, and improve the environment of our agricultural communities. Initiatives Ecosytem Valuation Seeks to develop programs and policies to better reward land management practices that improve sustainability and provide ecosystem services vital to healthy societies. Anaerobic Digester Resource Center Promotes agricultural waste management and renewable energy development through consultation and coordination of anaerobic digesters on Minnesota family farms. Sustainable Biofuels Pursues growing markets for sustainably produced biofuels through educational outreach and information and policy development.