ST. PAUL — Voting delegates at the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation’s (MFBF) 99th Annual meeting adopted policy positions for 2018. Based on these actions, the MFBF Board of Directors have provided focus for the organization on public policy, image and leadership including rural communities, healthcare, trade, taxes, food, water and infrastructure.
Rural Communities
The vitality and resiliency of strong rural communities is a priority for MFBF. This includes a strong workforce, educational opportunities through career and technical programs, and awareness and resources to address financial stress and mental health.
Healthcare
Affordability and availability of health insurance and the accessibility to healthcare providers is a significant concern for Minnesota farm families and small businesses. MFBF will work towards finding solutions addressing both increases in premiums and lack of availability to individual health insurance options.
Trade
Farm Bureau will continue to be a leader in efforts to protect and expand agricultural market opportunities through new trade agreements and enforcement of existing trade relationships in order to strengthen our economy.
Taxes
MFBF will continue efforts to work on property tax issues. Tax reform at the local, state and federal levels that recognizes agriculture’s unique financial challenges remains a priority for Farm Bureau.
Food
Minnesota farmers and ranchers are committed to providing access to sustainable, safe, healthy food choices. Farmers work to continuously improve production methods and technologies. Farmers are dedicated to caring for their animals, manage and improve the quality of their environment and enhance the quality and accessibility of food and fiber they produce utilizing different production methods.
Water
Water quality and quantity are priorities for Minnesota farm families. Agriculture’s role in improving water quality can best be fulfilled through voluntary site-specific actions at the local level.
Infrastructure
MFBF will continue efforts to address Minnesota transportation infrastructure needs, especially rural roads and bridges so that products are able to be moved efficiently by river, rail and road. Farm Bureau will work to ensure Minnesota’s energy needs are met through investing in infrastructure. MFBF will advocate for accessibility and expansion of broadband to all of Minnesota.
Minnesota Farm Bureau is the largest general farm organization in the state representing Farmers • Families • Food. Members determine policy through a grassroots process involving the Farm Bureau members in 78 county Farm Bureau units in a formal, democratic process. Through this process, members make their views heard to political leaders, state government officials, special interest groups and the general public. Programs for Young Farmers & Ranchers help develop leadership abilities and improve farm management. Promotion & Education Committee members work with programs such as Agriculture in the Classroom, and safety education for farm children. Farm Bureau is active in a variety of other programs and activities. For more information, contact your county Farm Bureau office.
— Minnesota Farm Bureau
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