Policy Articles
USDA COVID-19 Food Distribution Program Begins Soon
Published May 8, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved $1.2 billion in contracts through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. This is part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The food box program will purchase up to $3 billion in fresh…Budget Challenge for MN Legislature
Published May 8, 2020
When the Minnesota legislative session began in February, there was a projected budget surplus of $1.5 billion. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Tax revenues and the economic slowdown along with additional spending now means a projected deficit of $2.4 billion.…Booker Renews Effort to Ban Large Livestock Farms
Published May 8, 2020
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is calling for a ban on large livestock operations by the year 2040. Another former presidential candidate, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, is co-sponsoring the bill. The proposal phases out concentrated animal feeding operations over the…MFU Minute
Published May 6, 2020
Minnesota Farmers Union is making a donation to food banks. President Gary Wertish has more in the latest MFU Minute.MN Turkey Industry Explores Economic Impact of COVID-19
Published May 6, 2020
Minnesota's turkey industry is assessing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are a lot of moving parts. "We don't know everything that might happen. We're taking a look at the process behind a worse case scenario for…MN Lawmakers Consider Priorities for Final Weeks of Session
Published May 6, 2020
Despite a shift in the budget outlook, Representative Deb Kiel thinks the legislature can still accomplish a bonding bill. "Minnesota has a lot of infrastructure. We need to make sure to take care of roads and bridges," said Kiel. "We…MFBF Update
Published May 5, 2020
While living in this COVID-19 environment, a lot of people are coming together to work towards a common goal. Hear more from Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Kevin Paap in this edition of the MFBF Update.MN Senate Passes Rural Broadband Bill
Published May 5, 2020
The Minnesota Senate unanimously passed an emergency rural broadband bill. The $20 million bill expands rural broadband access to students and their families. Authored by Senator Torrey Westrom, the bill designates $10 million for the Border to Broadband Fund, $8…USDA Food Purchase Details Now Available
Published May 4, 2020
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has announced details for the $470 million in Section 32 food purchases that is part of the COVID-19 assistance package. The dairy industry got the biggest share with $120 million. USDA will purchase $50 million respectively…