ACTION ALERT:
Action Needed to Make Minnesota a National
Leader in Sustainable & Organic Agriculture

2/28/07
LSP is working to pass a package of four bills that would dramatically increase funding for sustainable and organic agriculture programs at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.  State funding for sustainable and organic agriculture programs have been cut even as the number of sustainable and organic farmers has grown along with consumer demand for their food. This package of bills is needed to address the needs of existing farmers as well as encourage the growth of this type of agriculture, which produces healthy food, protects the environment and is profitable for farmers.

• Senate File 1027/ House File 844:  The “Minnesota Grows Organic” initiative provides $1.1 million dollars annually to the University of Minnesota for organic research and outreach. 

• Senate File 1026/ House File 845: Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture funded at $150,000 a year for sustainable livestock outreach and research.    

• Senate File 1038/ House File 710: Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Energy and Sustainable Ag Grant Program funded at $250,000 a year for two years. 

• Senate File 1039/ House File 846: Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s organic cost share program funded at $275,000 a year for two years in the House and $160,000 in the Senate.  (We want it funded at the House level.)

Call state legislators and urge them to support this legislative package.

Hearings on these proposals are taking place during the upcoming weeks, so it is important lawmakers hear from the public now. Let them know you want Minnesota to be a national leader in promoting organic and sustainable agriculture.

When you call, give them the bill numbers, describe the bills and tell your story. If you farm or are involved in organic and sustainable agriculture (including as a consumer) say how. Speak to how important sustainable/ organic farming is to you, our environment, the quality of our food and our economy. 

1.  Call your Representatives and Senator:

 2.  Call Senate and House leadership.

More details on legislative initiatives:

SF 1027/ HF 844: The “Minnesota Grows Organic” initiative provides $1.1 million dollars annually to the University of Minnesota for organic research and outreach.  The money funds faculty and staff at the St. Paul campus as well as outreach centers, graduate assistantships and equipment to meet the research and outreach needs of organic farmers.

        SF 1027: Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes (Winona)

        HF 844: Rep. Ken Tschumper (LaCrescent)

http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=Senate&f=sf1027&ssn=0&y=2007

SF 1026/ HF 845: Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture’s (MISA) Alternative Livestock Program funded at $150,000 a year.  Housed at the U of M, MISA’s Alternative Livestock Program has been a leader in providing research and information to farmers raising livestock on grass or deep-bedded straw systems.

        SF 1026: Sen. Kathy Sheran (Mankato)

        HF 845: Rep. David Bly (Northfield)

http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=Senate&f=sf1026&ssn=0&y=2007

SF 1038/ HF 710: Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Energy and Sustainable Ag Grant Program funded at $250,000 a year for two years.  This program provides grants for sustainable and organic farmers to conduct on-farm demonstration projects and research. The results are then published annually in the Greenbook, which is widely used by farmers wanting to learn more about sustainable farming practices. This program creates innovative farmer-driven solutions and facilitates farmer-to-farmer education.

       SF 1038:  Sen. Jim Vickerman (Tracy)

       HF 710: Rep. Aaron Peterson (Appleton)

http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=Senate&f=sf1038&ssn=0&y=2007

SF 1039/ HF 846: Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s organic cost share program funded at $275,000 a year for two years in the House and $160,000 in the Senate.  (We want it funded at the House level.)  This bill provides cost share of up to $500 a year towards the annual cost of organic certification.

        SF 1039:  Sen. Tony Lourey (Kerrick)

        HF 846: Rep. Al Doty (Royalton)

http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=Senate&f=sf1039&ssn=0&y=2007

Facts about the growth of organic agriculture:

Weekly State Policy Updates:
If you want to receive state policy updates from LSP, send an e-mail to bking@landstewardshipproject.org with “State Policy Update” in the subject line or message.   For those that have already signed up, expect your first update on Friday, March 2.