We serve as a convener, advocate and thought leader by creating common ground solutions that move the food and agriculture industry forward.
AgriGrowth’s mission is to advocate for a positive business climate for Minnesota’s food and agriculture sector. We actively represent members’ interests with the State Legislature, Governor’s office, and agencies. The agri-food sector is our state’s second largest economic driver. Communities, especially in Greater Minnesota, are critical to our economic viability and competitiveness. Working together to ensure our communities are strong, resilient places to live, work and raise a family is essential. These priorities are highlights and not the full scope of our activities during legislative session.
Minnesota’s permitting process must be competitive with neighboring states to maintain capital investment in value-added agriculture and future Minnesota agri-food marketing revenues. We support agency efforts that increase certainty in permitting timelines and reduce costs to farmers and agribusiness.
We support an “all of the above” approach to energy policy that includes biofuels, oil, natural gas, and other sources.
Our industry positively addresses climate change and protects the environment, natural resources, and clean water by using best management practices that reduce emissions, sequester carbon, and improve profitability. As we transition to more carbon-neutral energy sources, policymakers must use science-based solutions while being mindful of economic costs to farmers and others.
Enhanced high school, college, vocational and technical education for students is a critical need. Minnesota’s agri-food sector is facing a serious labor shortage with many employers struggling to find and retain talent while we compete against other states and industries for part-time, full-time, and seasonal employees.
Increased agriculture appropriations are needed to ensure our farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness can remain successful and viable in a challenging marketplace.
We support critical infrastructure projects including funding for rural broadband, road and bridge projects, ports, wastewater treatment, flood hazard mitigation, affordable housing, and other critical infrastructure projects. Farmers and food producers rely on an extensive transportation system to grow and safely transport food, fiber, and fuels.
Technological advancements are essential to further enhancing agri-food’s ability to protect the environment and human health. We support legislation prohibiting local ordinances that regulate registration, labeling, selling, storing, transporting, or use of seeds. We oppose prohibiting the sale or use of crops developed through biotechnology and unnecessary state regulation of seed treatment and crop inputs related to pollinator protection.
We oppose mandatory labeling of foods containing ingredients from crops approved by federal agencies.
AgriGrowth supports a tax environment that provides economic certainty and ensures our industries remain competitive with neighboring states. Keeping Minnesota farmers and agribusiness competitive in a global market is a top priority, especially with our agri-food industry representing our state’s second largest economic driver.
