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Minnesota Corn Growers put full court press on passing Buffer clarification

The executive director of the Minnesota Corn Growers says the Association is putting the full court press on Governor Dayton to sign the Buffer Clarification bill into law.

After leading a group of nearly 20 state ag organizations in sending a letter to the governor last week underlying concerns with the current rule, Adam Birr tells Brownfield MCGA has issued a Call-to-Action as the 2017 legislative session winds down.

“I think the last time we did (a call to action) was when crop insurance subsidies were being threatened for budget savings on the federal front a couple years ago.  I’d say we do maybe one of these a year, so it kind of speaks to the urgency of this particular issue.”

Among MCGA’s concerns are insufficient time to become compliant with Buffer Law requirements, unclear provisions, and a lack of financial compensation for land going out of production.

Birr tells Brownfield he hopes the Call-to-Action reminds the governor and legislative leaders the Buffer Clarification bill is a priority.

“To recognize in those negotiations that this was a main priority for the ag groups going into session, and remind them of that as they enter final negotiations.”

The Buffer Clarification legislation is included in House and Senate Environment Bills being negotiated with Governor Dayton.

The legislative session is scheduled to conclude May 22^nd.