Bruce Peterson will begin his term as MCGA President on Oct. 1.
The following is a statement from Bruce Peterson, a farmer in Northfield and President of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, on legislation introduced this week that would require farmers to use 50-foot buffer strips along waterways:
“The Minnesota Corn Growers Association supports the use of buffers as one of the many best management practices farmers use to protect water quality. We also support existing buffer laws and their vigorous local enforcement, which allows for farmers and local authorities to work together to seek water quality solutions that take into account the diversity of Minnesota’s farmland. Research shows that a one-size-fits-all approach to buffers and water quality likely will not be effective. This issue requires thoughtful consideration on how policy can best be crafted to make meaningful improvements in water quality. The impact any legislation will make on Minnesota farmers also must be considered. We do not believe a political debate during the few weeks remaining of the legislative session can adequately address all of these issues. Therefore, we do not support the governor’s one-size-fits-all proposal.
MCGA is proud of the relationship it has with Gov. Dayton, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and other state agencies. We remain committed to working with agencies, legislators and local government officials to seek meaningful solutions to water quality concerns.”
MCGA will continue to speak with legislators with our concerns, and will communicate any legislative action taken on this proposal.
Minnesota corn farmers fund millions of dollars and research projects focused on water quality. Here are a few examples:
- A complete summary of nitrogen-related initiatives can be read in MCGA’s “Nitrogen Initiatives Publication.”
- Discovery Farms Minnesota is supported by MCGA.
- Minnesota corn farmers also fund unique water quality-related projects like this and this.
- If you want to know more about buffer strips, this post on MinnesotaCornerstone.com from last month covers everything you ever wanted to know about buffer strips.