MN Ag Priorities Amid Legislative Ties

By Scout Nelson

The 94th Minnesota State Legislature has convened under challenging circumstances following a tie in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate, at a 33-33 tie due to the recent passing of state Senator Kari Dziedzic, managed a power-sharing agreement, anticipating a shift back to a Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) majority after today's special election.

In contrast, the House experienced a shift to a Republican majority due to a successful residency challenge, leading to legislative standstills and canceled committee hearings until a resolution is reached.

Amid these political dynamics, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is actively pushing its 2025 legislative agenda. A longstanding priority is the buffer property tax exemption, which involves vegetative buffers along waterways, mandated since 2015 without state compensation for affected farmers.

Despite high compliance rates, the tax burden remains unchanged, prompting MCGA to advocate for tax relief that would alleviate financial strains on farmers without significantly impacting property tax revenues.

Additionally, MCGA is capitalizing on new market opportunities such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). With a supportive tax credit enacted in 2023, MCGA is collaborating with Delta Airlines and others to secure further funding, bolstered by recent backing in Governor Walz’s budget proposal. This initiative underscores the shift towards sustainable agricultural practices and biofuel development, marking a critical focus for this legislative session.

MCGA’s efforts also extend to maintaining funding for essential programs within the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, including biofuels infrastructure, soil health, and agriculture research.

These programs are crucial for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and supporting the state's agriculture sector.

As the legislative session progresses, MCGA remains committed to advocating for its members and ensuring that agricultural interests are well-represented amidst the unpredictable political landscape.

Despite the uncertain outcomes, MCGA's presence and persistence at the State Legislature highlight its dedication to the welfare of Minnesota's corn farmers and the broader agricultural community.

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