MADISON, Minn. -- Food and farmers always are taken for granted. March 15 was National Agriculture Day, and all farmers should be complimented on their role in our economy. Food and farming is a daily business, and our farmers in Minnesota and the nation are valuable.
Everyday recognition of Minnesota agriculture may be a reality this legislative session. The Minnesota Legislature is considering S.F. 340, authored by Sen. Gary Kubly, DFL-Granite Falls, a special license plate bill that would direct the Minnesota Department of Transportation, in consultation with organizations that represent farmers, to design a license plate recognizing Minnesota agriculture.
Economic contributor
Agriculture in Minnesota represents 25 percent of the state's economy and brings in $16 billion to the state's coffers and supports 1.5 jobs in all economic sectors.
Eighty percent of all agriculture-related jobs are off-farm. Farms in Minnesota supply food, fuel and fiber for all. Minnesota farming is the state's second largest economic sector and the second largest employer.
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A simple license plate can send a powerful message of support for Minnesota farmers. Call your state representatives and state senators and ask them to support Minnesota's agriculture license plate bill.
Editor's Note: Peterson, of Madison, Minn., is president of the Minnesota Farmers Union
