Agriculture

Minnesota’s strong economy, historically, has been dependent on our rural farmers, farm communities, and agri-businesses. Today, agriculture accounts for over 20% of Minnesota’s Gross Domestic Product. One of every five Minnesota jobs is related to agriculture. I am from rural Minnesota and I’m dedicated to supporting rural communities and the farm economy.

Farmers: Minnesota’s rural backbone

I also understand the importance of farmers’ contributions to the Democratic Farmer Labor Party. The families that live on our farms and produce wealth from the land are the backbone of rural areas in our state. Whether it be a small organic vegetable producer, a Red River Valley sugar beet grower, or a dairy farmer milking cows twice a day, it is our charge to make sure these farmers can make a living and continue to benefit our entire state.

The future of energy

There also is a changing landscape across Minnesota as we consider our energy future. Minnesota has proudly led the nation in the development of biofuels. Our famer-owned cooperatives have served as national models. I want Minnesota to build on this success and lead our country in the development of the next generation of fuels. For the first time in decades, a strong agriculture based energy sector could produce rural jobs and economic growth. Stability for our rural communities will come from producing power from wind, prairie grasses, wood waste, corn cobs, or solar energy because most of these activities will take place in rural Minnesota.

I intend to advance these issues and lead Minnesota’s rural economy investments:

Support funding for the ‘Ag Special’ to our state’s Land Grant University, the University of Minnesota, providing for research and development in agriculture related activities and businesses
Increase focus on the “Buy Local” concept of food production by supporting the MN Grown program, sustainable farming practices, and assistance to smaller producers
Promote a strong animal agriculture sector so vital to our state and to the success of a diverse agriculture economy
Grow our alternative energy economy
Ensure basic agricultural production remains a strong and vital rural economic engine
Recognize that every citizen living in rural Minnesota has a right to have equal access to healthcare, education, good paying jobs, safe roads, and 21st century telecommunications