Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Agriculture Finance Bill Passes House
On Monday, the House passed the Agriculture Finance Bill, farmer-friendly legislation that will benefit Northwest Minnesota and help protect and preserve our food supply. It passed on a bipartisan vote 110-18.
One of the highlights of the legislation is the increased funding to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Board of Animal Health to help respond to the avian flu outbreak that is devastating poultry farmers and their flocks across the state including one in Roseau County.
Additionally, the bill also includes my provision (HF 514) to increase funding for and pay unpaid claims from wolf and elk depredation. Livestock producers are already being impacted by wolves, and the recent federal ruling that bans wolf hunting and trapping is only going to make matters worse.
You can see me talking more about this issue on the House Floor by clicking here.
Next, the Agriculture Omnibus Bill also fully funds the Agricultural Growth Research and Innovation (AGRI) program with $20.47 million and the Agriculture Utilization Research Institute (AURI) with $7.286 million.
AGRI awards grants and other forms of financial assistance through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to create agricultural jobs and profitable businesses. Investments are focused on livestock development, value added business and market development, farm to school, research, and renewable energy.
AURI is another legislatively funded program that offers our state some long-term economic benefits through increased business and employment opportunities related to agriculture. They conduct innovative research and development for agricultural commodities and products, and also help implement new technology to improve the agricultural industry.
In all, the Agriculture Omnibus Bill recognizes that farmers are the backbone of Minnesota's economy, and implements programs to aid rural farmers and promote economic opportunities for agriculture in our state.
Supporting Minnesota's Turkey Industry
On Tuesday, our GOP Rural Caucus hosted a great bipartisan turkey burger barbeque at the Capitol in support of Minnesota's turkey farmers. We handed out over 500 turkey burgers in an hour! Thanks to the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and my former student Steve Olson, for all of their help to bring more awareness to the avian flu crisis.
I'm pleased so many showed up to support Minnesota's turkey industry which has been devastated by the avian flu. It was a great event for a great cause!
Follow me on Facebook!
To stay up-to-date on what’s happening at your State Capitol, feel free to “like” my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RepDanFabian.
*****
My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!
Dan
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01A