By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) hosted its influential annual Day on the Hill at the Minnesota State Capitol last Tuesday. The event drew farmer-leaders from across the state who engaged with over 25 state legislators, influential figures such as Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and commissioners from key departments, to discuss the association’s 2025 policy priorities.
The primary focus for the MCGA this year includes advocating for legislative support across several critical areas: a property tax exemption for buffer land, funding for biofuel infrastructure, enhancement of the state’s sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Soil Health Financial Assistance Program, and bipartisan legislation aimed at improving environmental permitting efficiency.
One of the highlighted bills, SF960, seeks to create a property tax exemption for buffer land, which is crucial for farmers who have had to allocate land for environmental conservation without compensation. This bill has garnered bipartisan support and is a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance agricultural practices with environmental stewardship.
Additionally, the MCGA supports SF881 and HF882, bills aimed at bolstering the state’s Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program with a proposed $6 million funding for 2026-27. These funds are expected to enhance consumer fuel choices, reduce emissions, and support the local agricultural economy.
Further advocacy includes support for SF1312, a bill to increase funding for the state’s sustainable aviation fuel tax credit from $2.1 million to $10 million, extending the benefit until 2029. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce emissions from air travel while boosting agricultural economies.
The MCGA also backed SF882 and HF985, which propose continued funding for the Soil Health Financial Assistance Program, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
Lastly, HF8/SF570 aims to increase environmental permitting efficiency, sponsored by a broad coalition of legislators. This legislation is crucial for ensuring that environmental safeguards are maintained without hindering agricultural productivity.
These legislative efforts highlight the MCGA’s commitment to advocating for policies that support both the economic and environmental sustainability of farming in Minnesota, ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of innovative agricultural practices.
Photo Credits:gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Government & Policy