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, 2009) - Minnesota Farmer Union (MFU) saw positive action on many fronts this year at the state capitol during the 2009 legislative session which adjourned on Monday May 18.

"We were pleased that there were positive results for our priorities, including changes to the Green Acres Program; extension of the Farmer-Lender Program; and $35 million for the Rural Finance Authority," said Doug Peterson, MN Farmers Union President.  "However, the fact that the Legislature did not pass an overall budget is of concern.  It is now up to Governor Tim Pawlenty to makes cuts.  Farmers are very concerned about high and rising property taxes, and the Governor needs to consider the impact on landowners when making these budget decisions."

The budget for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) took reasonable cuts during the legislative session.  Governor Pawlenty will make further cuts to the state budget through the unallotment process, where funding for these departments could be further reduced.  In addition, MFU is very concerned about the impact the unallotment process could have on property taxes; cuts to Local Government Aid (LGA); and assistance for hospitals and nursing homes.

St. Paul (February 19, 2009) - Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members from the northwest, and west central regions of the state recently went to the State Capitol to discuss Farmers Union policy and the 2009 legislative session with legislators.

"This is a chance for the legislators to hear from Farmers Union members about the immediate needs of rural Minnesota," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  "It also gives our members a chance to let the senators and representatives know about our Farmers Union policy, and why it is important to them."

St. Paul (January 29, 2009) - Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members from the southwest, southeast, and east central parts of the state recently went to the State Capitol to discuss Farmers Union policy and the 2009 legislative session with legislators. Members also met with Attorney General Lori Swanson, and attended a House hearing on the Green Acres Program.

Farmers Union policy issues that came up in discussions with state senators and representatives were: protecting the state agriculture budget; stabilizing property taxes; repealing the changes made last year to the Green Acres Program; supporting universal health care; financial support to those impacted by the bovine tuberculosis outbreak; extension of the 2009 sunset date of the farmer-lender mediation program; support for local control in making siting decisions that deal with livestock facilities; a strong corporate farm law; support to achieve conformity with the Minnesota estate tax, and section 179 of the federal tax code; and bonding requests for the Rural Finance Authority.