More than 75 Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members traveled to St. Paul on Feb. 20 for MFU’s Lobby Day.

Members met with policymakers, including Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Attorney General Keith Ellison, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, House Majority Leader Jamie Long, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam, House Agriculture Committee Chair Samantha Vang and agency heads from the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Natural Resources and Commerce.

Support for a public option that allows family farmers and other small business owners to buy into MinnesotaCare at affordable rates and passing Right to Repair legislation that allows farmers to repair their own equipment or have it repaired by an independent repair technician of their choice, were among the top issues discussed during the nearly 50 meetings. Other priorities include establishing a new Certified Veterinary Technician license, supporting competitive markets, maintaining a strong budget for agriculture, and maintaining access to high-quality healthcare in rural communities.

“Thank you to all the MFU members who traveled to St. Paul to share your stories with legislators during Lobby Day. Your engagement is irreplaceable as legislators move forward to enact legislation that impacts all of us,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “A thank you also to the policymakers who took time to visit with Farmers Union members. By working together, we will build a Minnesota where everyone can build a life in agriculture.”

“As a general farm organization, it’s important that we make our voices heard on issues that affect all farmers,” said MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl. “The high cost of healthcare is one of those issues. For too long, we’ve heard from members who are priced out of coverage, or whose kids can’t afford to leave their jobs in town to take over the family farm. If we want vibrant rural communities, thriving rural schools and new farm families on the land, making health coverage more affordable is critical. We’ve worked on this issue now for years and we’re counting on lawmakers to get it done.”

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org, and follow MFU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.