Seeking Support for Family Farmers

Felton, Minnesota farmer Melany Thomas was part of the Minnesota Farmers Union delegation in Washington, D.C. this past week. Thomas spoke out for voluntary conservation programs. “I’m a beginning farmer and I was able to access EQIP, which helped provide the technical knowledge that I wouldn’t be able to afford to hire outright.” These programs benefit soil health and water quality. As a beginning farmer, Thomas is frustrated with the mixed response she’s heard from lawmakers. “There’s a lot of (lawmakers saying) we don’t know what’s going on because of reconciliation,” said Thomas. “I may not know the whole budget situation, but I’m here to make the statement that we need to support family farmers and pass a farm bill.”