Minnesota Farmers Union

St. Paul (November 6, 2012) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) is having their 71^st annual state convention Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18 at the Ramada Plaza in Minneapolis. The business of the convention is the completion of the MFU grassroots policy, and delegates will be elected to represent Minnesota Farmers Union at the National Farmers Union convention in Springfield, Massachusetts in March, 2013.  Delegate discussion will surround the farm bill, re-instating the Homestead Market Value Credit, federal estate tax levels, and renewable energy.

“Minnesota Farmers Union policy is formed is by our members, they will discuss the crucial issues of rural Minnesota and changes that will improve the future of family farmers and rural communities. Our state convention is truly grassroots and member-driven, where everyone’s voice is heard” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.

ST. PAUL (February 16, 2012) – On Wednesday, February 15, Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members met with Governor Mark Dayton, Attorney General Lori Swanson, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and their local legislators to discuss agriculture and MFU policy matters at the State Capitol.

“Changes in our economy impacting tax policy has brought the homestead tax credit to the top of the issues Minnesota Farmers Union members talked about at the State Capitol,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “We had a great turnout for our lobby day, which is so important because our members are there to educate their senators and representatives about what is really going on in rural Minnesota.” 

Issues the Farmers Union members discussed were:

ST. PAUL (February 16, 2012) – The Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) full board of directors recently met to discuss agriculture policy.  The full board consists of all the MFU county presidents throughout the state. 

“The full board meeting gives our county presidents a voice on federal and state issues, and allows them to hear about developments at the federal, state and local level,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  “Minnesota Farmers Union is a grassroots organization and this meeting gives us all a chance to discuss hot button issues within our organization and to express any concerns we know of in our area, which is one of the great things about being a Minnesota Farmers Union member – getting your voice heard!”

ST. PAUL (January 24, 2012) - With grassroots input from its family farmer-membership, Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) has set priorities for the 2012 legislative session.  

“Rising property taxes in rural Minnesota were a direct result of the Legislatures removal of the Homestead Tax Credit, and its reinstatement will be the number one issue for Minnesota Farmers Union at the Capitol as we work with the Dayton Administration and legislators to find common sense solutions to address this very serious issue” said Doug Peterson, MFU President. “In addition to addressing property tax concerns, MFU will be working on legislation promoting agricultural rural finance and renewable energy.” 

Now that the gray wolf has been removed from the Endangered Species list, MFU will be working to ensure that depredation caused by wolves will be lessened with a gray wolf hunting and trapping season, which should help family farmers reduce livestock losses.

These are just some of the issues MFU will be working on in the 2012 legislative session.  Also, these are the issues MFU members will be talking to legislators about when they head to the state Capitol on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, for their annual lobby day. 

Click here for an audio clip.