Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Visit Foley Farm to Celebrate Bipartisan Agriculture Accomplishments

Statement

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today visited a dairy farm in Foley, Minnesota to celebrate bipartisan agriculture accomplishments that passed this legislative session. The Governor ceremonially signed the agriculture bill, which provides drought relief, investments in broadband, and support for agricultural programs. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan were joined by farmers, legislators, leaders in Minnesota's agriculture industry, and Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson.

"Minnesota's agriculture industry is a critical component of our state's successful economy," said Governor Walz. "I was proud to celebrate this bipartisan bill that will support farmers across the state as they balance challenges -- from severe weather to inflation and global economic uncertainty -- while continuing to feed not just Minnesotans, but the world."

"Any day we get to spend on a farm is a great day, especially when we are celebrating a bill that will improve the lives of farmers across our state," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Our farmers deserve our full support, and this bill is a big bipartisan step in the right direction. We will continue to listen and learn from farmers, support the important work they do for our entire state, and innovate the future of agriculture right here in Minnesota."

"Minnesota farmers have endured many challenges over the past several years, but this bill will help them recover and rebuild," said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. "We're also making great investments in the future of our producers and industry by helping new and emerging farmers, preparing for ag emergencies and animal disease outbreaks, and providing funding for our supply chains, soil health, biofuels, and more."

"Last summer's historic drought was crushing for many livestock and specialty crop producers. We're grateful that Governor Walz worked hard to secure drought relief and other agricultural investments this session. The package is not the end-all-be-all, but it is meaningful to many farm families who could use a shot in the arm," said Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish. "We're working hard to encourage farmers sign up for drought relief by the July 6 deadline and will continue to work on increasing access to meat processing, another priority of the ag funding bill."

"We heard from our members throughout the process of getting this bill passed on how important relief was, and to now see them getting the support they need to rebound from the drought's impact is exciting," said Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing. "The bill also provided money to invest in the future of Minnesota agriculture, addressed supply chain issues especially relating to meat processing and provided needed infrastructure for HPAI and other animal diseases. Minnesota Farm Bureau appreciated the bipartisan support to get this important bill to the Governor's desk for his signature."

Highlights of the bill include:

Over $200 million to support broadband development and the establishment of a lower population density pilot program.
$18.4 million in drought relief including direct grants to farmers, relief through the Rural Finance Authority.
$1.25 million for the creation of a new, innovative down payment assistance program targeted toward beginning farmers and $827,000 to support beginning farmers from underrepresented communities enter the field of agriculture.
$1.5 million for the Agricultural Emergency Account to support animal disease preparedness and response, and $1 million to the University of Minnesota to purchase veterinary diagnostic equipment to test for animal diseases.
$1.25 million for the Bioincentive Program to encourage commercial-scale production of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biomass thermal energy.

Source