ST. PAUL – More than 80 Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members traveled to St. Paul on March 3 for MFU’s Lobby Day.
Members met with nearly 40 policymakers, including Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Secretary of State Steve Simon, Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Odette, Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen, Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam and House Agriculture Committee Co-Chair Rick Hansen.
Members spoke to policymakers about four key areas of concern:
- Supporting farmers during this difficult financial time by fully funding the Rural Finance Authority (RFA), and reauthorizing and strengthening the Farmer Lender Mediation program.
- Lowering healthcare costs and improving access, including by expanding public healthcare programs to cover every Minnesotan, capping insurance costs, lowering drug prices, investing in rural Emergency Medical Services and opposing efforts to privatize healthcare programs.
- Investing in the next generation of farmers by fully funding the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit.
- Expanding programs that fight hunger and support new markets, including the Local Food Purchase Assistance program and Farm to School.
“Thank you to the more than 80 members who took time out of their schedule to come to St. Paul to meet with legislators and other state leaders,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “Lobby Day is a great opportunity for members to share their concerns with lawmakers and advocate for policies that will help them succeed.”
“When members show up and share their experiences, they strengthen our democracy,” said MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl. “Lobby Day builds lasting, working relationships between Farmers Union members and the people who represent them. It ensures rural voices are heard where decisions are made and helps shape a state that works for families, farmers and their communities.”
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.
