Please add your name! This farmer sign-on letter is to demonstrate the demand from farmers, farm workers, processors, and processing workers to finalize a budget for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture that delivers for emerging and beginning farmers, small- and mid-sized farmers, local meat processors, our farm and food system, and our soil, water, air, and climate.
The letter below will be delivered to House Ag Chair Samantha Vang and Senate Ag Chair Aric Putnam during conference committee, when both House and Senate are finalizing their budget.
Dear Members:
As farmers and ranchers in Minnesota, the Omnibus Agriculture Budget Bill directly impacts our farms, families, and communities. We are writing to urge you to finalize a budget for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture that delivers for small, mid-sized, diversified, and emerging farmers; our local and regional food systems; our livestock and poultry farmers and processors; and our soil, water, and climate.
Emerging Farmers
Emerging farmers, particularly those without access to generational land or wealth, face many barriers to starting a farm. When there are more people stewarding the land, our farm and food system is more resilient, our state economy is stronger, and our rural, urban, and suburban communities can flourish. Our state has the opportunity to reduce barriers to farming by providing financial assistance and expanding institutional support. Please include the following in your final budget:
Establishment of a Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant Program.
Local Meat Processing
It is challenging for small and mid-sized meat and poultry processors to navigate inspection and certification processes, develop health and safety plans, and expand and transition their businesses. It is also challenging for small and mid-sized livestock and poultry farmers to secure processing dates that are well-timed and local. Processors deserve to have institutional and financial support and livestock and poultry farmers deserve to have accessible, local processing options. Please include the following in your final budget:
The establishment of a Meat and Poultry Processing Liaison position in the MDA.
Funding to pilot a Small Meat Processor Training Grants program.
Our local and regional food systems provide nutrient-dense food to our communities, create market options for small and mid-sized farmers, and foster economic resiliency. Yet, infrastructure and coordination between farmers and institutions, in particular, require great investment. Please include the following in your final budget:
Increased and ongoing funding for the Farm-to-School Grant Program, the extension of eligibility to early childcare centers, and the establishment of Regional Local Food Coordinator positions.
A grant to the Minnesota Farmers' Market Association to provide up to $10,000 grants to each farmers' market in Minnesota for infrastructure and marketing and establish a grant program within the MDA for direct marketing producers.
Investments in farming practices that truly build soil health are investments in the economic sustainability of farms, clean water, climate and landscape resiliency, human health, nutrient reduction, and more. However, there are barriers to adoption, such as the cost of specialized equipment, the need for technical support, and tight profit margins make it difficult to incorporate something new. Please include the following in your final budget:
The establishment of a climate coordinator position within the MDA to secure federal funds for ag-climate initiatives in Minnesota, build partnerships, and advance the Governor's Climate Action Framework.
Increased funding for the Soil Health Financial Assistance Program and ensuring state cost-share dollars are focused on practices that truly improve soil health, climate resiliency, and water quality.
Funding for Soil Health Equipment Grants through the Soil Health Financial Assistance Grant Program.