Minnesota Representative Angie Craig hosted a virtual panel discussion Wednesday on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kenyon, Minnesota farmer Keith Allen, who is a Minnesota Farm Bureau director, said one positive from the pandemic is the relationship between farmers and consumers. “We noticed early on the huge connection between the farmers and consumers that wanted our product. Now, we’ve cracked open a few new markets we didn’t have before,” said Allen. There has been a surge in interest for community supported agriculture. “If there is a silver lining to this, at least we’re seeing more connections.” Others on the panel updated Craig on ethanol, meat processing and manufacturing. Craig plans to reference the feedback as Congress puts together the next round of COVID-19 relief.
