SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced the appointment of Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL – Esko) as the next chair of the House Agriculture Finance & Policy Committee. Rep. Sundin, who grew up on a dairy farm in Koochiching County, is excited to assume the new role during the next legislative session.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead our work in the House searching for solutions to enhance agriculture in Minnesota,” Rep. Sundin said. “In addition to ensuring we all have something to eat on the kitchen table, agriculture is part of our state’s economic backbone, and the industry has been facing significant challenges. I look forward to tackling this work in a committee that is traditionally one of the most bipartisan in the entire House.”
Rep. Sundin, a former member of the Agriculture Committee, plans to focus on the success of family farms, help grow nontraditional and organic farming in the state, and encourage new farmers to enter the profession.
“Amid the struggles, there are also some opportunities, too, including the state’s growing cottage food industry,” Rep. Sundin continued. “Here in Carlton County, it’s emerged over the past few decades and I’d like to see it thrive.”
The complete list of chairs and committees can be accessed here. Full membership of House committees will be announced in December. The 2021 legislative session convenes on January 5.