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Dayton says Buffer Rule handled wrong

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton says he’s always been a friend to farmers and that his top down approach to the Buffer Rule was a mistake.

In an exclusive interview with Brownfield, Dayton criticized his original proposal of mandatory 50 foot buffers around all public waters in the state.

“I made a mistake, which I’ll admit, in the buffer legislation.  And we corrected that in the process of the legislation (by giving) flexibility to local soil and water conservation boards to make exceptions and tailor literally every farmer’s situation to their unique land and waters situations.”

Dayton tells Brownfield Minnesota is facing a crisis, but there are no plans for additional farm regulations as his administration aims to improve water quality 25 percent by the year 2025.

“I hope all farmers who are concerned about water quality will engage in this process over the next several months, and make sure your voices are heard in your area and make sure that these are tailored to what is best to achieve the results we all want.  Which is to improve water quality, in ways that are manageable and effective on your particular farm and in your particular area.”

To help alleviate the cost of compliance with state water quality requirements, Dayton has proposed payments of $40 dollars per year for every tillable acre converted to buffer strip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • What is troubling to me is: The soil and Water Districts, Watershed Districts and most food producers have been implementing practices for years already. More rules and regulations, in most cases, were and are nothing but political
    posturing.
    Yet, we hear nothing of the run-off thru storm sewers and road and bridge chemicals draining directly into lakes and rivers.
    I have read there is actually hypoxic layers in several Mpls. area lakes from pollution. Also, according to agencies, aprox. 1/3 of the municipal water during summer months is used for irrigating landscapes.
    The problem in summary. If you produce food, you are guilty. The Governor could quit stating and implying this negative image. This only creates hate and discontent between urban and producers.

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