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Missouri budget proposal has cuts for ag

Governor Eric Greitens’ proposed budget would reduce funding for the state Department of Agriculture, despite agriculture being Missouri’s largest industry. Governor Greitens has unveiled a proposed $27 billion state operating budget. His proposed budget reduces the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s budget from $53 million to about $40.4 million.

Acting State Budget Director Dan Haug addressed the Capitol Press Corps on Thursday, “I think the biggest part of that would be a reduction in the payments for the biodiesel producers. I think that makes up a significant part of it. A lot of it is also some of the restrictions that were put in place this year just carried forward.” Greitens also wants to cut the Missouri State Fair’s budget by about $500,000. MDA Director Chris Chinn testified last week at the Capitol that agriculture is an $88 billion industry in Missouri, employing about 400,000 people statewide.

Story courtesy of the Missourinet