About the State of the Agricultural Ecosystem Report
The State of the Agricultural Ecosystem Report is an annual study of Minnesota’s food and agricultural industry ecosystem, first created in 2020. Originally known as the State of Agriculture Report, it was renamed to highlight the interdependence of the wide range of industries that make up Minnesota’s agricultural sector, including production and processing, equipment and input manufacturing, logistics, professional services, research, and skilled trades. The report began as an initiative of GreenSeam’s Business Retention & Expansion Committee in partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato’s College of Business, and provides leaders in the public sector, education sector, and Minnesota agribusinesses with a summary of the top challenges impacting the industry.
Take the State of the Agricultural Ecosystem Survey
The State of the Agricultural Ecosystem Report is built directly from insights shared through the annual State of the Agricultural Ecosystem Survey. Each year, agribusiness leaders and professionals across Minnesota are invited to share their perspectives on business conditions, workforce needs, regulatory impacts, and expectations for the year ahead.
Survey Disclosure
If you have any questions about the purpose of this study or GreenSeam’s data practices, please contact Holly Callaghan, Economic Development Specialist by calling 507-514-6182 or hcallaghan@greenseam.org. For other questions about this research study or to obtain a copy of the consent, contact Dr. Steven Formaneck, Principal Investigator of this study and Assistant Professor of Management at Minnesota State University, Mankato, 507-389-5343 or steven.formaneck@mnsu.edu. If you have any questions about participants’ rights and for research-related injuries, please contact the Director of the Institutional Review Board at 507-389-1242 or irb@mnsu.edu, MSU IRBNet #2396729.
The expected time to complete the main State of the Agricultural Ecosystem 2026 survey is approximately 9 minutes. If you choose to also answer the internship questions, those questions take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and responses are anonymous.
Notice
Effective December 2025, the State of Agriculture or “State of Ag” Report was renamed The State of the Agricultural Ecosystem (SAE) Report , encompassing the many agricultural industries GreenSeam represents and supports with research, advocacy, and economic development services.
Why Participate in the Survey?
Because decisions shaping Minnesota’s agriculture shouldn’t be made without industry insight. Participating in the anonymous survey ensures that the realities facing agribusinesses, today and in the year ahead, are captured directly from those doing the work. Your input strengthens a credible, data-backed resource used to guide public policy, workforce planning, and strategic collaboration across the bioeconomy. By taking a few minutes to respond, you can strengthen the competitiveness of these statewide industries and the communities where they operate.
Who Should Take the Survey?
If your organization works directly in agriculture, supports agricultural customers, or operates within the ag supply chain, your perspective is needed. This survey is intended for leaders and professionals across the entire agricultural ecosystem. If your work supports or depends on agriculture in Minnesota, you are encouraged to participate.
View Eligible Industries
- Agricultural Production
- Agricultural Processing
- Business & Professional Services
- Energy & Utilities
- Equipment, Component, and Input Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing
- Logistics, Supply Chain, & Warehousing
- Public, Education & Nonprofit Organizations
- Research & Scientific Services
- Technical & On-Farm Services
- Skilled Trades
Reports
2026 State of the Agricultural Ecosystem Report
The 2026 State of the Agricultural Ecosystem Report offers a comprehensive view of the trends shaping Minnesota’s food and agriculture industries. Previously known as the State of Agriculture Report, the updated name reflects the full ecosystem behind agriculture, from production to manufacturing, services, and beyond. Built from insights across more than 300 businesses, the report identifies rising costs, workforce challenges, and policy pressures as key factors influencing decision-making.
2025 State of Ag Report
The 2025 State of Ag Report provides an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities shaping Minnesota’s food and agriculture industry. Drawing from extensive survey results and focus group discussions, the report highlights continued optimism for agribusiness growth, supported by diversification, expanded markets, and emerging technologies. At the same time, it addresses critical concerns including rising costs, workforce shortages, regulatory complexity, and infrastructure needs.
2024 State of Ag Report
The 2024 State of Ag Report provides insights from survey and focus group data on the challenges and opportunities facing Minnesota’s food and agriculture industry. With participation up from last year, the report highlights optimism about agribusiness growth despite concerns over labor shortages, regulatory hurdles, and economic pressures. This year’s findings reflect a diverse range of perspectives, showcasing both progress and areas for improvement in this dynamic sector.
2023 State of Ag Report
The 2023 report highlights concerns over workforce shortages impacting the ag sector. Respondents were all-in-all optimistic on the outlook of the industry, with a majority expecting economic growth. State and federal laws and regulations continue to lay obstacles for food & ag businesses.
2022 State of Ag Report
The 2022 report reveals the perceptions and opinions on the economy and other major issues impacting businesses in the agriculture industry and places an emphasis on education, as well as talent attraction and retention.
2021 State of Ag Report
In 2021, discussions focused on barriers concerning talent, policy, mental health, and COVID-19. In addition, the results highlighted opportunities around entrepreneurship, business development, commodity prices, and technology advancement.
2020 State of Ag Report
For the first time in Minnesota, GreenSeam and its volunteers and partners conducted and launched the State of Ag Report.
This report is a comprehensive survey of ag and related businesses in Minnesota. It reveals perceptions and opinions on the economy and other key issues impacting ag businesses, while putting an emphasis on education and talent attraction and retention. The input analyzed in this survey was provided by business leaders, human resource and other executive level professionals. Thank you for sharing your expertise and insights!
Address
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Mankato, MN 56001
Phone
507.385.6672
Email
info@greenseam.org