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It is a stark fact that our farmers are aging – and not many are replacing them. Eric is a fourth-generation back-to-the-land farmer. A University of Minnesota grad, he is breaking new ground to keep his family farm in business. Eric Grows hops, and his crop is selling to top breweries in the cities from Fulton Beer, Day Block Brewing and more. With “dirt in his blood”, he became well acquainted with significant issue in the food system’s future: our farmers are aging. Ever since, he has worked to find ways to resolve this problem: he co-founded the Sandbox Center for Regenerative Entrepreneurship, an incubator and learning space for young farmers and food entrepreneurs, helped found Urban Oasis in St. Paul, holds a leadership role in the MInnesota Young Food Professionals group, and mentors students at the University of Minnesota. This year Eric wasr awarded 2016 40 Under 40 from Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx