AGRICULTURE POLICIES FOOD ACCESS SUMMIT 2013 Minnesota Farmers Union Director of Government Relations (12 years) Board Member Organic Advisory Task Force Next Gen Energy Board FLAG Minnesota Fair Plan Committee THOM PETERSEN Local Foods Impact Food Low Income LOOK AT CURRENT & RECENT STATE POLICIES IN MINNESOTA FROM AGRICULTURAL PERSPECTIVE Minnesota Department of Agriculture budget Minnesota Grown Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) 2013 Budget Year, 2014 Bonding Policy Year 2013 SESSION Farm to School Help schools, farmers Livestock Investment Grants Value Added Grants Beginning Farmers AGRICULTURE GROWTH RESEARCH & INNOVATION AGRI-FUND Provide farmers who engage in agri-tourism events that involve having visitors to your farm, some basic liability protection from certain inherent risks. MFU has been working with other groups on this legislation and is hopeful in passing next year. AGRI-TOURISM BILL AUTHORS : Rep. Clark Johnson Sen. Matt Schmidt PROPERTY TAX REFUND Income tax refund or rebate for farmers who donate excess food to a food shelf or distribution center. Relate for food donators for farms, fams, families, fans? Legislation was introduced to create a Minnesota Food Council which would be a vehicle for networking, communication, research, and reporting of policy recommendations to improve the food system in Minnesota. The development and expansion of secure, local, and sustainable food production systems will promote economic viability, ecological soundness, and social responsibility. The bill did not receive a hearing. FOOD COUNCIL Minnesota Care Minnesota Sure HEALTH CARE Right to know Minnesota Introduced by Sen. Marty and Rep. Clark GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMO) RAW MILK Controversial Issues: Legislators care more about food policies More emphasis on public benefits & public programs Ability to see value in both WHAT IS EFFECTIVE? In person meetings individually or as a group Telephone call visit personally and get to know your legislator WHAT WORKS? Legislators Administration KNOW YOUR LEADERS Committees Staff Twitter Facebook YouTube SOCIAL MEDIA ANY QUESTIONS? THANK YOU! Minnesota Farmers Union