During the 2020 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Council of Presidents, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) President Kevin Paap joined Farm Bureau presidents from all 50 states and Puerto Rico to hear from elected and appointed officials on issues impacting farmers, ranchers and rural America.

During three days of virtual meetings, President Paap had discussions with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassadors Robert Lighthizer and Gregg Doud, U.S. Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Dr. Heath Tarbert, USDA Chief Economist Dr. Robert Johansson and USDA Senior Advisor Kristi Boswell.

In election years, AFBF invites Presidential candidates to address the Council of Presidents and to highlight Farm Bureau priority issues. The Honorable Tom Vilsack former U.S Secretary of Agriculture addressed the group on behalf of former Vice President Joe Biden. U.S. President Donald Trump invited Farm Bureau state board of directors and county Farm Bureau presidents to join the group of state presidents during his call. Farm Bureau members had the opportunity to highlight priority issues with them and/or ask questions of the candidates.

“Even though meetings look very different this year, Minnesota Farm Bureau continues to be at the table advocating on behalf of our members,” said MFBF President Paap. “We will continue to adapt how we engage with decision makers to ensure that Farm Bureau policies are implemented.”

Farm Bureau members can be engaged in public policy by joining a new weekly webinar series, MFBF Shop Talk, each Thursday at Noon to hear from policy experts on issues impacting rural Minnesota. Learn more at fbmn.org/shoptalk.

Minnesota Farm Bureau representing Farmers • Families • Food for over 100 years is comprised of 78 local Farm Bureaus across Minnesota. Members make their views known to political leaders, state government officials, special interest groups and the general public. Programs for young farmers and ranchers develop leadership skills and improve farm management. Promotion and Education Committee members work with programs such as agriculture in the classroom and safety education for children. Join Farm Bureau today and support our efforts to serve as an advocate for rural Minnesota, www.fbmn.org.