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Land O’Lakes to help promote water quality in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is partnering with one of the nation’s largest cooperatives to accelerate the adoption of water quality stewardship standards by farmers in the state.

Assistant Ag Commissioner Matt Wohlman says Land O’Lakes has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help promote the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program through their ag retail network.

“We are going to be formalizing this through Land O’Lakes, (who will be) working with their customer-member-owners; both from the supply and market side; to enhance adoption of best management practices.”

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and Land O’Lakes CEO Chris Policinski announced the public-private partnership during an event Wednesday at the company’s headquarters in Arden Hills.

Wohlman tells Brownfield the water quality certification process starts with an assessment of potential contamination on the farm.

“It’s a great opportunity for farmers because even if they don’t want to proceed, it’s an opportunity to learn about some of the challenges that are on the farm.  I think most farmers know where their problem points are, but it’s an opportunity to get some technical assistance.”

The voluntary water quality program was established two years ago and has already certified 150 Minnesota farms totaling more than 83,000 acres.