| Minnesota Department of Agriculture | |
| Type: | Government agency |
| Formed: | 1885 |
| Preceding1: | Minnesota State Dairy Commission |
| Preceding6: | --> |
| Superseding6: | --> |
| Headquarters: | 625 Robert St N, St Paul, MN 55155 |
| Minister8 Name: | --> |
| Deputyminister8 Name: | --> |
| Chief9 Name: | --> |
| Child25 Agency: | --> |
| Keydocument6: | --> |
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is a government agency in Minnesota responsible for managing the state's food supply, natural resources, and agricultural economy.[1]
The department began as the Minnesota State Dairy Commission in 1885 to eliminate the sale of adulterated milk and block the sale of oleomargarine as a substitute for butter. It was staffed by a department head, a single assistant and one clerk who doubled as the food chemist. In 1885, the budget was $6,000 per year.[2]