SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed its Agriculture budget bill to strengthen farming and food production in Minnesota. The legislation funds the operations of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the Board of Animal Health, and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute. Additionally, the bill makes new investments in high-speed broadband across the state.
“I’m grateful for our farmers in Minnesota and everyone else who works in agriculture. COVID-19 has been very difficult for the entire state, and this budget addresses many of the challenges farmers are facing,” said Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL – Esko), Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. “Agriculture represents a small part of the state budget, but plays an enormous role in our state’s economy and way of life. This legislation will help farmers have a stronger future, bolster our next generation of farmers and encourage new Minnesotans to explore opportunities in agriculture, tackle the growing threat of climate change, and ensure Minnesotans can all have healthy food to put on the table.”
With a vision to encourage more Minnesotans to explore farming, the legislation includes funding for an Emerging Farmer Office at the MDA, Farmland Access Teams, and Urban Youth Agriculture. The bill also requires the MDA to help farmers finance new cooperatives that process or market agricultural products or services.
Continue reading “Minnesota House passes Agriculture budget bill”