Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN engages with agriculture realtors and farmers to drive on-farm land, water, air, and profitability solutions. Agriculture retailers, long-trusted advisors to farmers, are trained by SUSTAIN staff in specialized practices, products, and cutting-edge technology that advance system-wide on-farm conservation. Additionally, Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN assists farmers with becoming certified in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) by engaging and educating farmers on benefits, acting as advisors in grant processes, and harnessing existing data collection capabilities. The joining of regulatory bodies, private sector interests, and farmer perspectives to create jointly implemented stewardship solutions is groundbreaking.

Honorable Mention

U.S. Bank Stadium Zero Waste Implementation

U.S. Bank Stadium Zero Waste Implementation is an effort to make a zero waste sports facility and set a new standard for Twin Cities metro facilities and event spaces

About the Sustainable Leadership: Large Employer Category

An employer with more than 500 employees that demonstrates collaborative efforts to pursue sustainable business practices or offer private sector-based solutions to environmental challenges. The project should demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship, economic benefit and social equity.