Tell the MN Legislature to Fully Fund Organic, Sustainable Ag & U of M
Posted by Susan Ponsolle on 05-02-07
5/1/07 - The Land
Stewardship Project has been working to ensure that the Legislature
creates an ongoing organics program at the University [of Minnesota] and expands
funding for alternative livestock research and outreach at the
University’s (MISA).
The Senate proposes funding of $850,000 a year for organics. The House
proposes $500,000 a year. Both bodies propose $150,000 for MISA’s
alternative livestock work.
A conference
committee of five Senators and five Representatives has been appointed
to reconcile the differences in the bills, including our provisions,
and is expected to finish their work by the end of the week. LSP has
submitted a letter to all the conferees signed by farm groups, chefs,
natural food co-ops, farmer co-ops, food retailers and others to
provide conferees information on why this initiative is so important.
The letter is below. Read it for more details.
Take Action!
Members of the conference committee need to hear from you. Call or e-mail them today.
Here is the message: “I am contacting you to urge you to support funding of $850,000 to create an ongoing organic agriculture program at the University of Minnesota and $150,000 to support increased funding for alternative livestock work at the University’s Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. The Senate proposes funding this work at that level. This public investment is badly needed to support one of the fastest growing segments of agriculture. This type of agriculture is bringing young farmers back to the land and providing existing farmers with new opportunities. In addition, this farming benefits the environment while meeting the growing consumer demand for local, sustainably-raised and organic foods.”
If you farm, be sure and tell legislators that you farm and why this is important to you.
It's easy to send the message. Just visit the Land Stewardship Project site and scroll down the page to see the contact information for each member.
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