ST. PAUL, Minn. — Merle Anderson, formerly of Climax, MN and currently living in Grand Forks, ND, has been honored with the Meritorious Service Award from National Farmers Union. Merle has been a long-time Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) member and has spent many years working with the organization to advocate for family farmers.
National Farmers Union (NFU) will be presenting Merle Anderson with the Meritorious Service Award for his outstanding leadership, and service to family agriculture and to Farmers Union over the course of his lifetime. A special ceremony and presentation will be held on April 13, 2017 at his current residence at Parkwood Senior Living Center in Grand Forks, ND beginning at 1:30 p.m.
“As advocates for family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, it is important to our mission as an organization that we recognize those who work to aid progress in rural America,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Merle dedicated his career and life to bettering life for family farmers, ranchers, and their communities. I am honored to recognize his contributions with our organization’s highest honor, the Meritorious Service Award.”
“Merle was one of the forefathers of the ethanol industry in Minnesota. He had the vision about the benefits a thriving ethanol industry would offer family farmers,” stated Minnesota Farmers Union President, Gary Wertish. “Through his work and his partnership with others in Minnesota, we now have 21 ethanol producing plants which are providing jobs and contributing to our state’s economy.”
Anderson joins past recipients of the Meritorious Service Award, including former Members of Congress and a former United States President, who have made particularly noteworthy contributions to family agriculture, humanity, and Farmers Union at the state and national levels.
Merle Anderson is Chairman Emeritus of the board of directors for the American Coalition for Ethanol, a company he founded in 1987. Anderson grew up on his family’s farm in Polk County, Minnesota, where he helped his father grow potatoes before taking over the operation himself. From 1970-71, he was the chairman of the Red River Valley Growers Association, followed by a stint as president of the National Potato Council in 1973. Anderson also served 45 years on the Red River Valley Cooperative Power board, and 25 years with Minnkota Power Cooperative.
— Minnesota Farmers Union
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