Minnesota’s farmers, producers, local community organizations, watershed staff and others working to improve water quality are encouraged to attend the sixth annual Ag-Urban partnership forum.
The event is hosted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the Department of Agriculture (MDA), and the Department of Health (MDH). The event is free, but pre-registration is required.
There will be three opportunities to attend the Forum
- January 7, 2026 – virtual event (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
- January 28, 2026 – Minnesota State University, Moorhead (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
- February 18, 2026 – Minnesota State University, Mankato (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Agenda highlights
The Ag Urban Partnership Forum event will consist of a presentation, panel and many opportunities to share, learn and connect. Attendees will learn about opportunities available through MPCA’s Water Quality Trading Program including:
- compliance options for wastewater operators
- conservation practice ideas for farmers & landowners
- real world examples of how Trading has worked
- shared stories from farmers and landowners on conservation practice experience
Who should attend
This Forum works to build connections between agricultural landowners and permitted wastewater entities. Presentations and forum content have been specifically developed for:
- municipal employees: wastewater operators, public works directors, engineers, city administrators, planning and zoning staff, stormwater staff and environmental services staff
- producers: corn growers, soybean growers, and livestock producers
- watershed professionals: watershed districts, soil and water conservation districts, and non-profit groups
- academic representatives and environmental advocacy groups
Annual gathering
State agencies hosted the first-ever Ag-Urban Partnership Forum in 2019, which focused solely on the protection and improvement strategies for the Minnesota River. The event sparked new partnerships and demonstrated a strong desire for additional platforms to collaborate on water protection issues around the state. Subsequent events were held virtually and garnered statewide attendance.
This forum is organized through collaboration among the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.