More than three dozen local and regional farmers, policymakers, business leaders, and researchers gathered in Red Wing, Minn. on Nov. 3, 2025, for "The Value of Regional Food Chains: Clusters, Opportunities, and Challenges". The event was held at the Anderson Center Historic Barn and featured three presentations, two panels, and table discussions examining how transportation infrastructure and supply chain design impact local economic development opportunities and agricultural competitiveness.
TPEC's Frank Douma and Tom Horan opened the session, sharing the history of the program's work with industry clusters, beginning with agriculture, then examining medical device industry clusters, and now applying that research to food supply chains. Horan's recent research reveals that while commodity agriculture receives systemic support, regional food systems lack critical infrastructure connections.
Next, attendees viewed a video welcome by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar which also touched on pertinent policy points.
- Theresa McCormick, The Good Acre
- Sam Ziegler, GreenSeam
- Michelle Miller, UW Madison, Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems
- Moderator: Benya Kraus, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
- Landon Plagge-Matt Kruger, Green Acres Milling
- John Peterson, Ferndale Market
- Sara George, Renewing the Countryside
- Sadie Gannet, MN Dept, of Health
- Moderator: Ariel Kagan, Minnesota Farmers Union
Key topics addressed by both panels included:
- Middle Supply Chain Solutions: Addressing gaps in processing, distribution, and logistics infrastructure.
- Transportation & Economics: How infrastructure decisions shape regional food system capabilities.
- Local Value Capture: Strategies for keeping agricultural economic benefits in local communities.
- Last Mile Challenges: Overcoming distribution barriers for small and medium-scale producers.
TPEC's Burke Murphy and Audrey Clark were joined by Kristian Braekkan from R9 Development Corporation for an overview of TPEC research, as well as food supply chain and demographic insights and trends.
Jeanne Poppe, Southern Minnesota Outreach Director in the office of U.S. Senator Tina Smith, provided brief policy-based remarks on behalf of the senator.
Before breaking out into table discussions, Laura Qualey, Community & Business Development coordinator for Cannon Falls shared a presentation about Cannon Roots, a program that positions and markets Cannon Falls as a destination for visitors, residents, and local production partners to experience the tastes, drinks, sights, and experiences of the Cannon Falls area. Cannon Roots local producer goods were also featured in an on-site display.
TPEC expects to release a final research report on regional food chain clusters and host a corresponding presentation in the third quarter of 2026.
Scenes from the event
