Looking for the perfect gift? Look to Farmers Union members
Dec. 10, 2021
ST. PAUL – Looking for a unique gift for that special someone on your holiday list? Have you considered gifting food grown in Minnesota? How about fiber products or local spirits? How about an outstanding dining experience?
Look to Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) for ideas. We’ve compiled a short list of members who market directly to consumers, and you can find it on the MFU website. Here’s 11 gift ideas from MFU:
- The Farmer and the Chef is perfect for the cooks in your life – or those folks who simply like to read cookbooks. Released on June 15, our farmer-forward book contains 90 chef-driven recipes and 19 stories about life on various farms throughout the state. It’s available at Farmers Kitchen + Bar, online and at fine bookstores throughout Minnesota.
- Cheese party gift boxes, puzzles and more from Shepherd’s Way Farms, one of Minnesota’s favorite sheep milk cheesemakers, located in Nerstrand.
- Give the gift of breakfast with oats from Doubting Thomas Farms of Moorhead, maple syrup from Hamel Maple Syrup in Hamel and locally roasted coffee from J&S Bean Factory in St. Paul.
- Yarn, wool bedding, dryer balls, sheepskins and more are available from Get Bentz Farm, a leader in quality fiber products. The farm is located near Northfield.
- Free-range turkey products, local foods from more than 100 food producers and holiday gift boxes are available from Ferndale Market in Cannon Falls. It’s a convenient one-stop shop for local delights.
- Hard ciders from Keepsake Cidery in Dundas make a fun addition to your holiday gift giving and make the perfect locally produced gift for your host or hostess.
- Honey & Rye Bakehouse in Minneapolis offers a delightful array of treats for your holiday celebrations in addition to local foods and ingredients, bakeware, cookbooks, cards and more.
- Cheese and food gift boxes from Metz’s Hart-Land Creamery in Rushford are just right for the cheese lover in your life.
- Local, organic spirts and festive cocktail kits from Northfield’s Loon Liquor Company, distillers making a difference.
- Visit the Amboy Cottage Café – reservations required – or stop by for Christmas in Amboy on Dec. 11. They can also help with your holiday baking.
- A gift card to Farmers Kitchen + Bar, located at 750 S. Second St., Minneapolis. Minnesota Farmers Union opened the restaurant in August and it aims to give eaters the feel of a farm kitchen by featuring food grown by Minnesota farmers. Don’t miss the toy tractors on display and the market space offering maple syrup, farm-fresh eggs, honey, BA Craftmade Aprons, granola and more.
“COVID-19 has reignited the importance of supporting our friends and neighbors in agriculture,” said Claudine Arndt, Minnesota Cooks Program Manager. “More people than ever are eager to spend their hard-earned dollars mindfully with people who share their values of community and who will re-invest in Minnesota. Small town mom-and-pop shops and farmers who direct market have unique items and appreciate the connection they have with their customers and fans.”
There are also several markets where you can find locally produced items. One of our favorites is the Mill City Farmers Market, which will hold its final market before Christmas from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 18.
About Minnesota Farmers Union
Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org)