STAFF
Reaching Out? Contact the Minnesota Grown Answer Line First
For general inquiries and most member questions, please contact us using our general line and shared inbox. This will ensure the quickest response time from the appropriate member of our team. Thank you for helping us serve you best!
651-201-6140
Mallory Forseth, Program Manager
651-201-6209
mallory.forseth@state.mn.us
Mallory joined Minnesota Grown in November 2021. She has more than a decade of experience in marketing, program management, and food systems, including three years in management of a farmers' market. She was raised in a family of small dairy farmers in Southwest Minnesota and is thrilled at the opportunity to promote and support the incredible farmers, growers, and food producers that make up Minnesota Grown’s membership. Mallory holds an M.A. in International Development from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver.
At Minnesota Grown: Mallory manages member services including Minnesota Grown logo licensing, online directories, marketing and promotional materials for members, the Cost Share program, the member newsletter, and more. She also manages Minnesota Grown's print materials and presence at events.
Rachel Wandrei, Marketing Manager
612-505-8885
rachel.wandrei@state.mn.us
A life-long food lover, Rachel grew up frequenting farmers markets and thinks picking up a weekly CSA share is better than a birthday! She brings over a decade of experience in marketing and communications withing the arts and culture sector, along with a background in restaurant management. For over 10 years, Rachel and her spouse operated a shared-use commercial kitchen. Since 2022, she has been part of the MN Grown team, connecting Minnesotans with local food and farms.
At Minnesota Grown: Rachel manages the website and social media presence, our Pick of the Month consumer newsletter, statewide advertising of Minnesota Grown products, and press and public relations.
Katie Mikesh, Office & Admin Support
651-201-6688
katie.mikesh@state.mn.us
Katie joined the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) in 2018 and serves as a vital administrative resource for several programs within the Ag Marketing Division, including Minnesota Grown. She holds a B.S. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Her professional background includes human resources experience across both the public and private sectors, as well as several years in the grocery industry. While raised in the Twin Cities, Katie holds a deep connection to Minnesota’s agricultural roots through time spent on her grandparents’ farm in Southwest MN. She feels fortunate to serve in her role that supports local farmers and food producers in navigating Minnesota Grown and MDA’s diverse offerings.
At Minnesota Grown: Katie assists the program’s member-facing activities including Minnesota Grown logo licensing, online directories, marketing and promotional materials for members, the Cost Share program, and more.
Ally Lozano, Mailing Logistics Coordinator
651-201-6132
ally.lozano@state.mn.us
Ally joined the Minnesota Grown team in 2024. Although she is from Central Texas, she is a converted Minnesotan and is excited to support its amazing farmers and producers. Ally brings experience in agricultural education, customer service, and e-commerce management from her work at non-profit gardens, restaurants, and food businesses.
At Minnesota Grown: Ally assists with member services by shipping marketing materials and printed communications.
CJ Larsen, Student Worker
651-201-6091
cj.larsen@state.mn.us
For four years, CJ worked at a farmstead creamery in greater Minnesota, spending time both at the farm and the creamery while managing sales, communications, and consumer-facing events before deciding to return to school. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communication & Marketing at the University of Minnesota. He is passionate about all things Minnesota, especially our local food systems. CJ is driven to uplift Minnesota’s underrepresented farmers and producers while positively impacting our economy and ecology.
At Minnesota Grown: CJ assists the program’s consumer-facing activities, contributing to social media and newsletters, as well as representing Minnesota Grown at events across the state, including coordinating the program’s display at the Minnesota State Fair.
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