Joe Martin started Rural Strategies, LLC in 2010. Prior to forming the venture, Joe served as assistant commissioner with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), where he oversaw three regulatory divisions responsible for food safety, crop inputs, and environmental protection. He also interacted with an array of elected officials, agency personnel, and opinion leaders on a variety of issues impacting agriculture and rural economies.

Prior to joining the MDA, Joe was with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation and the American Farm Bureau Federation, where he handled a variety of legislative, regulatory, and public and media relations issues.

Martin is a native of Foley, Minnesota, where his family still lives and farms. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Focus areas

Association and organizational management
• Contract management of professional associations and organizations
• Meeting and event planning/facilitation
• Revenue development

Project and issue management/public relations
• Strategic assessment and advice on project and issue management
• Image management and media relations
• Issue tracking and representation

Relationships
• Alliance development
• Cross-promotional activities
• Coalition building

On-farm/business consulting services
• Independent and unbiased first point-of-contact for clients with business needs
• Certified referral network of business professionals