Legislators get new update about food supply concerns

Today, legislators received an update about COVID-19’s impact on Minnesota’s food supply from Thom Petersen, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), and Dr. Beth Thompson, executive director of the Board of Animal Health. Click here to listen to a recording.

State Representative Jeanne Poppe (DFL-Austin), chair of the House Agriculture and Food Finance and Policy Division, says the Legislature has been working closely with Governor Walz, MDA, and agriculture leaders to provide economic security and flexibility for farmers and producers, and implement strict public health guidelines at processing plants to prevent indefinite closures like the Smithfield plant in Sioux Falls, SD. 

“Our farmers, producers, and processors have been put in an extremely difficult position as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Poppe. “All of us are heartbroken by the stories we are hearing from our neighbors in the agriculture community. The Legislature has taken concrete steps to provide help, and we are committed to doing even more to help our neighbors navigate the evolving challenges created by this unprecedented public health crisis. I am grateful we have strong leaders like Commissioner Petersen and Dr. Thompson on the front lines.” 

As a result of the Legislature’s quick actions in March and April 2020, farmer-lender mediations have been extended by 60 days and farmers impacted by COVID-19 losses are now eligible to receive financial assistance from the Rural Finance Authority’s Disaster Assistance Loan Program. The Legislature also increased funding for Second Harvest Heartland to purchase and distribute milk and protein products such as pork, poultry, beef, dry legumes, cheese, and eggs and distribute them to local food shelves to help Minnesotans facing food insecurity. 

The House Agriculture and Food Finance Policy is scheduled to meet next on Thursday, April 30 at 4:15pm to continue discussion of the agriculture policy and supplemental budget bills. Minnesotans can listen to live audio of the hearing at www.house.mn/live/1. The agenda and all documents and handouts are available on the division’s webpage here.