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Ag has seat at the table for Dayton’s buffer conversation

Kevin Paap

Agriculture now has a seat at the table in conversations about Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton’s buffer proposal.

Kevin Paap is the Minnesota Farm Bureau President and says initially he had a lot of concerns about the Governor’s one-size-fits-all approach.

“We had some real concerns that one size does not fit all.  The Governor saw that, he heard that, he understands that.  (I) had the opportunity to spend two and a half hours with the Governor yesterday and talk about issues.”

Dayton’s original plan mandated 50 foot buffers around any waterway in the state.

Paap tells Brownfield the Governor has softened his stance and all interested parties are looking at short term and long term solutions.

“What can we do in the next three weeks before the end of this session.  But then what else can we do long-term, in the next three months, three years…quite honestly the next 30 years.  The farm groups are at the table and we’re looking at solutions.  What are the things we can do, not just for water quality, but air quality, soil quality.  All the things that are so important to us in agriculture and so important to Minnesotans.”

He says solutions need to begin locally.

“Locally designed, locally implemented.  Voluntary is very important.  Incentive-based is very important.  But also for some resources available.”

Resources like tools for conservation practices and cost share funds to implement programs are being discussed.

 

 

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