Minnesota Farmers Union

 ST. PAUL (May 10, 2012) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) saw many positive movements on key legislative initiatives this legislative session which concluded Thursday, May 10, 2012. Included among them were key extensions for Minnesota’s ethanol, biodiesel, and wind industries to ensure they are moving forward; $33 million for the Rural Finance Authority, which partners with local lenders to provide affordable credit to eligible farmers; and the creation of a wolf hunting and trapping season, as well as key components to the state wolf management plan.

“MFU thanks the legislature and Governor Dayton for working to pass these key pieces of legislation” said Doug Peterson President of the Minnesota Farmers Union.  Peterson added, “MFU also was pleased to see legislation defeated that would have impacted local control by cities, counties and townships by changing the way interim ordinances are used.”

MFU was disappointed that no legislative action was taken to address surging rural and agriculture property taxes. MFU will work with policy makers to address this situation as the next session approaches.

St. Paul (May 20, 2010) - Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) saw positive progress on many of its key policy issue areas during the recently completed 2010 legislative session in St. Paul.  Despite the issue of having to work with a large budget deficit, MFU worked to ensure cuts to agriculture were limited.

"MFU made sure that agriculture and rural policy got the attention it needed from the legislature, especially from members of the Agriculture Committees," said Doug Peterson, MFU President.  "In dark budget times, MFU protected the rights of farmers and rural communities."

Some of the key items that are now law due to MFU's work include: