10/12/06
The Problem
State Commissioner of Agriculture Gene Hugoson has proposed a reorganization of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) that threatens the effectiveness, and even long term existence, of key sustainable ag and organic farming programs.  This proposal was developed without involving the Land Stewardship Project, the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota, the Organic Consumers Association or any other citizen organizations that have helped create and shape many of these programs.

This reorganization threatens to severely diminish the effectiveness and long-term viability of the Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Program (ESAP), organic programs and others. These nationally- recognized programs provide information to farmers about sustainable and organic farming practices, provide grants for on-farm research into sustainable and organic farming, and provide cost-share funds to farmers transitioning to organic. These programs have been part of making Minnesota a leader in sustainable agriculture and organic food production.

Take Action Now! 
Here is what you can do to protect some of our state’s most important sustainable agriculture and organic programs: 

1. Contact Governor Tim Pawlenty at 651-296-3391 or 800-657-3717 or tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us

Let Gov. Pawlenty know that Commissioner Hugoson has proposed a reorganization in the Department of Agriculture that will harm our sustainable ag and organic programs.  Commissioner Hugoson has not talked with sustainable and organic farmers or our state’s sustainable ag and organic farming organizations about this proposal.  Tell Gov. Pawlenty that these programs have already suffered severe budget cuts under his administration and that you want this proposed reorganization to stop.

2. Contact Commissioner of Agriculture Gene Hugoson at 651-201-6219 or Gene.Hugoson@state.mn.us

Tell Commissioner Hugoson that the MDA’s sustainable and organic ag programs are working well in the current MDA structure, especially the Energy and Sustainable Ag Program and organic programs.  Any consideration of a reorganization that affects sustainable and organic ag programs must include input from sustainable ag and organic farming organizations, including LSP, as well as provide an opportunity for input from farmers.  Tell Commissioner Hugoson to drop consideration of this reorganization. 

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More Details
Commissioner Hugoson has proposed dismantling the “Agricultural Resources Management and Development Division” and dispersing the staff and responsibilities of this division to several other divisions.  While Hugoson has not publicly announced his proposal, LSP has learned of it through numerous sources in the agricultural community.

The mission of this key division is “to support the development of an agriculture that is profitable and environmentally sound.” Both the Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Program (ESAP) and organic programs are housed in this division.  If this reorganization goes forward, a cohesive group of key staff will be separated and moved to separate divisions.  This threatens the immediate effectiveness and long-term viability of these very successful, nationally- recognized programs.

Among other things, the ESAP program is responsible for making grants to farmers for on-farm research into innovative sustainable ag practices.  The results of the research are then published annually in the Greenbook.  This hands-on, grassroots type of research has facilitated farmer-to-farmer education and helped farmers move towards more sustainable farming practices.  Funding for this program was severely cut two years ago. 

The MDA website describes the program well.  ESAP “was established in 1987 in response to concerns over the impact of conventional agricultural practices on farm profitability, health and the environment. The purpose of the program is to demonstrate and promote alternative practices which are energy efficient, environmentally sound, profitable and which enhance the self-sufficiency of Minnesota farmers.”

MDA’s organics initiative has a cost-share program for farmers transitioning to organics.  It provides critical information on organic farming to interested farmers.  The program helps organize an annual state organics conference.  Sustainable and organic agriculture is one of the fastest growing segments of agriculture in our state and nation.  Programs that serve this sector of agriculture should not be undermined and must be fully funded to enhance growth. 

More info on these programs are at:

Agricultural Resources Management and Development Division

http://www.mda.state.mn.us/agdev/default.htm

The Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Program

http://www.mda.state.mn.us/esap/default.htm

Organic Programs:

http://www.mda.state.mn.us/esap/organic/default.htm

 

For More Information
Contact LSP’s Bobby King at 612-722-6377 or bking@landstewardshipproject.org.

 

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