Priority Issues

Hearing and sharing the voices of our nearly 30,000 members is essential in driving meaningful change in policy on the local, state and national levels. 

Our grassroots efforts highlight concerns important to those involved in agriculture, what is needed to help them succeed, and helps set the foundation for our work on a wide variety of issues. 

State Policy

Issues surfaced by our member counties help raise awareness around actionable items necessary to keep agriculture and Minnesota thriving. Based on those issues, our board of directors sets priority issues each year. While MFBF advocates on behalf of its members on a wide variety of issues, setting priority issues helps focus our efforts.

Here's a look at our 2023 priorities at the state level:

  • Beginning and Emerging Farmers – Support the next generation and those interested in entering agriculture.
  • Clean Energy and Sustainability – Further development of renewable fuel, additional alternative energy sources and improving our environment through voluntary climate-smart practices.
  • Healthcare Accessibility – Work towards increased availability and affordability of health insurance, healthcare and mental health resources. 
  • Research and Investment – Drive the future of agriculture through practical research, education and innovation.
  • Rural Connectivity – Ensure broadband and cellular service meets the needs of increased technology demands in agriculture.
  • Rural Vitality – Strengthen our communities by addressing needs around childcare, workforce development and infrastructure. 

National Policy

Nationally, the Minnesota Farm Bureau will work to support the following principles in guiding the development of programs in the next Farm Bill:   

  • Maintain funding commitments to current farm programs;
  • Maintain a unified farm bill which includes nutrition programs and farm programs together; and 
  • Prioritize funding for risk management tools which include both federal crop insurance and commodity programs.

Farm Bureau works on additional federal legislative and regulatory issues that affect farmers and ranchers including:

  • Agricultural Labor: Pass meaningful legislation that helps farmers and ranchers meet their labor needs specifically through updates to the H2A program. 
  • Regulations: Address specific regulatory challenges impacting farmers and ranchers including the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, Endangered Species Act and Renewable fuels. 
  • Supply Chain: Support infrastructure investments and other opportunities that will support long-term growth in production, processing, trade and distribution. 
  • Trade: Protect and expand trade opportunities for U.S. agriculture through existing trade partners and new trade relationships. 

Learn more about federal issues on the AFBF website.