We currently have an important opportunity to support state policy that bolsters family farmers, clean water, healthy soil, and thriving rural communities. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has officially opened its 2027 Legislative Ideas Portal. Between now and Sept. 18, the MDA is gathering policy, program, and funding proposals from the community to help shape the state’s next biennial budget and legislative goals.

If state decision-makers do not hear from us, corporate ag interests will fill the void. This is an opportunity to share ideas for the type of agricultural system we want for our farms and communities. Take five minutes today to submit your ideas directly to the MDA Legislative Ideas Portal. The MDA does take submissions seriously and proposals from the public have inspired real legislation in years past.

— Submit Your Ag Legislative Ideas Here — 

Key LSP Priorities to Include in Your Comments:

You can use your own words, but we encourage you to urge the MDA to prioritize the following in their 2027 legislative proposals:

• Soil Health Investments: Increase funding that expands resources for soil health equipment grants, continuous living cover crops research and marketing, and rotational grazing systems.
• Support for Small and Medium-Sized Family Farms: Fully funding the Farm to School and Early Care program at the $10 million amount, so all schools and childcare centers can access the program; create a pilot program for more farm-to-institution purchasing (hospitals, veteran homes, etc.) with $2 million in funding; provide local food aggregation and processing support.
• Protecting Shared Natural Resources: Additional resources for stronger enforcement, rigorous monitoring, and scientifically sound frameworks to safeguard groundwater from synthetic fertilizer and nitrate-nitrogen runoff.
• Farmland Access & Emerging Farmers: Advocate for robust, fully funded programs like the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit, Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant, and Farmland Down Payment Grant extensions to lower upfront costs for new producers.

Other Ways to Make Your Voice Heard

In addition to the online form, the MDA is hosting two virtual public input sessions on Zoom where you can speak directly to state officials:

• Session 1: Monday, Aug. 24, from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Register here.
• Session 2: Tuesday, Aug. 25, from noon – 1 p.m. Register here.

(Note: Virtual attendance is free, but registration is required. You can register directly through links found on the official MDA event page.)

Change happens when we speak up together. Make sure to use this opportunity to make your voice heard and share a vision for what Minnesotans want and need for our agricultural landscape. Submit your 2027 legislative ideas today.

If you have any questions, contact Laura Schreiber, LSP’s government relations director, via e-mail.