It's a non-partisan or multi-partisan issue that's gone mainstream:  locally-grown food.  Democrats, Republicans, Independents all want to support our state's farmers.  The annual Minnesota Cooks event at the Minnesota State Fair showcases the cause.  Farmers from all around the state join area chefs and celebrity tasters for a day of delicious discussion and eventually eating.  Today's morning treats included French toast and scones.  

"Buying local and making the connection between where your food comes and what you put on the table is becoming more important to people these days," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  "Minnesota Cooks is the perfect way to celebrate the great food produced in Minnesota."  I've been lucky to be a celebrity taster for the last six years at the event and talk about my family farm roots and the importance of eating healthy local food. 

St. Paul Chef J.D. Fratzke was our emcee, he joined us on Almanac last year for a cooking segment.  The event was started by Minnesota Farmers Union.  Food Alliance Midwest, www.foodalliance.org, other organizations invloved are the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), www.auri.org, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, www.mda.state.mn.us that has added a Minnesota Grown  directory to its website.