The Minnesota Department of Agriculture proposed budget is less than one-half of one percent of the entire state budget. Appearing before the Minnesota House Agriculture Committee, Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen emphasized the state has 68,000 farms generating $112 billion in economic activity. Deputy Commissioner Andrea Vaubel said MDA is seeking additional dollars for international trade. Vaubel says the trade staff has been very innovative with virtual events, but “in-country representation is key to market success.” Funds also run out next year for the state’s noxious weed program and the legislature is being asked to include dollars in that effort. “We’ve been wildly successful in our pursuit to battle Palmer amaranth in particular.”
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