Minnesota Farmers Union

St. Paul (January 23, 2009) - Benton County Farmers Union President Jon Hansmeier testified before the House Agriculture Finance Committee at the State Capitol in St. Paul in favor of repealing changes made last year to the Green Acres property tax program.

Hansmeier, who farms south of Foley, was joined by his son Josh; Foley-area farmer John Kaproth; and Thom Petersen, Director of Government Relations for the Minnesota Farmers Union.

During his testimony, Hansmeier stated that he had concerns that the changes made last year will have negative impacts on farmers who own what is being called "non-productive" land.  He also expressed concern over how transfers are handled; and how the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land is treated.

"Minnesota Farmers Union supports fully repealing the changes made by the legislature in 2008, and forming a task force to address concerns for the future," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  "The testimony by Hansmeier, and Kaproth puts a face on the Green Acres Program, and their testimony was invaluable."

Hansmeier and Kaproth also visited with newly-elected State Representative Gail Kulick-Jackson (DFL-Milaca), and Senator Lisa Fobbe (DFL-Zimmerman), and were able to discuss the Green Acres program with them.