Policy Articles
MFU Minute
Published April 5, 2023
In this week's Minnesota Farmers Union Minute, Minnesota Farmers Union Director of Government Relations Stu Lourey talks about budget bills in legislature.Rounds Introduces Wetlands Bill
Published April 4, 2023
South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds has introduced a bill to change the way the Natural Resources Conservation Service handles wetlands compliance. Rounds says the bill would prohibit NRCS from entering into permanent easements with landowners, only allowing term agreements for…MN Farm Bureau Visits DC
Published April 2, 2023
A delegation of Minnesota Farm Bureau members met with lawmakers and officials in Washington D.C. Education and open dialogue continues for farm organizations as lawmakers work to pass the next Farm Bill. MNFB Director Shane Isane of Badger, MN says…Japan Approves U.S. Ethanol
Published April 2, 2023
Japan will now allow US ethanol to successful access 100 percent of the Japanese biofuel market. This is an increase from the previous 66 percent access that was assessed in 2021 and is based on continued improvement in reduction of…Italy Moves to Ban Lab Grown Meat
Published April 2, 2023
The Italian government is working to approve a bill that would ban the use of laboratory-produced meat in food and animal feed. This would forbid Italian companies from producing food or feed from cell cultures or tissues derived from vertebrate…Vilsack Addresses Farm Bill Questions
Published April 2, 2023
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack testified before three congressional committees this past week. Vilsack said climate smart programs within the Inflation Reduction Act can make up for a loss in baseline funding. “Utilization of those resources can compliment and supplement what…H2A Rule Change Concerns
Published April 2, 2023
Changes that impact H2A labor programs in the U.S. are now in effect. The method used to calculate the Adverse Effect Wage Rate is now calculated differently. National Council of Farmer Co-ops Vice President of Communications Justin Darisse says this…Smith Introduces Livestock Disease Legislation
Published March 31, 2023
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith introduced a bipartisan bill aimed to protect meat and poultry export markets in the case of disease outbreaks. Smith says with Avian Influenza, Hoof and Mouth Disease, and African Swine Fever concerns on the horizon, ensuring…House Ag Budget Takes Spotlight
Published March 31, 2023
Minnesota House Ag Committee Chair Samantha Vang says the ag budget bill was the center of attention in committee this week. The target budge in the ag committee is $148 million in one-time money, and $40 million in ongoing money.…