Articles tagged under: Minnesota legislative session
Demand for MN Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Growing
Published December 31, 2024
In the upcoming session of the Minnesota Legislature, one of the biggest tasks for lawmakers is to pass a new biennial budget. Stu Lourey, government relations director, Minnesota Farmers Union, says part of that budget should include expanding the Beginning…Seeking Affordable Healthcare
Published May 13, 2024
The expansion of MinnesotaCare's public option has been a legislative priority for the Minnesota Farmers Union. "If we could do one thing to make it easier for family farmers to build their businesses and make it easier for young families…MCGA Supports AFREC Renewal
Published May 13, 2024
In St. Paul, the Minnesota House version of the agriculture budget bill allows the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council to end at the end of June. It repurposes the 40 cent per ton fertilizer fee for water quality projects…Asking for a Clear Definition of Public Waters
Published April 20, 2024
Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Executive Director Joe Smentek testified before the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee regarding the definition of public waters in the state. "There was a Supreme Court case where if something is not on the public…MFU Minute
Published May 18, 2023
In this week's Minnesota Farmers Union Minute, Minnesota Farmers Union Director of Government Relations Stu Lourey highlights the end of the Minnesota legislative session.Discrepancies in Ag Bills
Published April 28, 2023
Minnesota Corn Growers Association Senior Public Policy Director Amanda Bilek will be watching the progress of the agriculture bills in the Minnesota House and Senate conference committees. There are small differences in funding between the bills. "One of the pieces…Supporting Agriculture at the Minnesota Legislature
Published April 10, 2023
Minnesota Farm Bureau Director of Public Policy Pierce Bennett says soil health, energy funding, and meat processing support are all issues being addressed at legislature. "What all that looks like, is making sure that our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities…Advocating for Research Funding for Turf Seed Production
Published March 18, 2023
Turf seed production is a growing industry in Minnesota. State Representative John Burkel introduced a bill that would provide grant funding for research. Minnesota Turf Seed Council Executive Director Marvin Zutz testified about the importance of the continued research for…More Accountability Needed
Published March 17, 2023
Minnesota House Agriculture Committee Chair Samantha Vang indicated the grain indemnity bill will be part of the omnibus agriculture bill. "Right now, if a grain elevator fails, the only thing that provides a safety net for producers are bonds. Bonds…