ST. PAUL – County Farmers Union leaders approved two resolutions while gathered in St. Paul Feb. 22 for their semiannual Full Board meeting.

The first resolution was to oppose staffing cuts at local and regional USDA offices. The second resolution was in support of the Ukrainian people defending their country against Russia, who invaded the country Feb. 24, 2022.

“MFU has long championed better staffing at the county level to ensure that farmers have access to critical farm safety net, disaster aid, farm loan and conservation programs,” said Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) President Gary Wertish in a letter sent to members of the state’s congressional delegation following the passage of the resolution. “Particularly in the face of market uncertainty, high input costs and continued challenges with animal disease, inadequate staffing at the local level could result in farmers having difficulty accessing critical programs.

“We’re also motivated to share our opposition to these layoffs because USDA employees are people who have chosen to dedicate their professional career to helping farmers,” Wertish added. “Some have newly moved to our communities and others have families who are relying on what historically have been stable federal jobs. All of them deserve our respect.”

Wertish asked for clarity about the extent of USDA layoffs, information on what offices are impacted and details on what programs are affected by the layoffs.

A separate letter was sent to the congressional delegation in support of the Ukrainian people.

“Russia’s war against Ukraine has not only important implications for democracy abroad but also the state of the agricultural economy in Minnesota,” Wertish said. “I urge you to support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom.”

Wertish has met directly with Heather Conley of the German Marshall Fund (GMF) and Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. The discussion included harrowing stories of the daily dangers faced by Ukrainian farmers as they work to grow food.

“Recent events have called into question the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine,” Wertish said. “We ask that you reject any efforts to abandon the Ukrainian people.”

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, X, Bluesky and Instagram.

# # #