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| Date: | March 8, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Chris Van Guilder | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-1388 | | Contact Email: | christopher.vanguilder@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| EXPERTS TO AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE: FARMERS, PUBLIC WORKING TOGETHER FOR LASTING SOLUTIONS |
St. Paul – Members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Economies received an extensive briefing on the agriculture community’s contributions to improving water quality. Committee Chairman Doug Magnus (R-Slayton) invited leaders from three high-profile institutions to educate the group and the public on environmental protection advancements within the agriculture community.
Presenting to the committee were representatives from the Minnesota Agriculture Water Resources Coalition (MAWRC), the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the University of Minnesota-Department of Soil, Water, and Climate.
“Too often citizens and even legislators hear only concerns and criticism related to improving water quality within the farming and agriculture community,” stated Senator Magnus. “In reality, farmers are the world’s natural environmentalists, and are deeply invested in the preservation and care of their land. Partnering their passion and knowledge with the resources, technology and capabilities of these institutions creates lasting solutions to environmental concerns. It’s important that policy-makers and the public are aware of the work being done to address these issues in a manner that works for both our environment and our farmers.”
Each group presented for 30 minutes, with responses to questions from members of the committee.
The MAWRC was represented by Warren Formo, Executive Director, and Bill Gordon, Treasurer. Their presentation pointed out the vast array of unique farming needs throughout Minnesota, and focused on programs which illustrate what farmers are doing to conserve land and improve water quality. Discussion included flood water control, drain tiling, and the need for healthier field drainage systems.
Presenters from the Department of Agriculture included Adam Birr, Ph.D., Impaired Waters Technical Coordinator and Bruce Montgomery, Fertilizer Management Unit Supervisor. Mr. Montgomery referred to the committee activities as a “celebration about agriculture” as the two proceeded to discuss farmer-led project initiatives such as “Discovery Farms” and the Root River Field to Stream Partnerships.
University of Minnesota Professors Carl Rosen and Satish Gupta concluded the presentation to the committee. Professor Rosen, Head of the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, offered highlights of the department’s research and education related to water and water quality control. Initiatives include irrigated cropping systems, bacteria studies, sediment and phosphorous transport to Lake Pepin. Professor Gupta extended this discussion by giving an in-depth analysis of “factors affecting sediment production and transport from the Minnesota River Basin to Lake Pepin.”
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Economies meets on Tuesday and Thursday of each week at 1:00 pm in Capitol Room 107.
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