Public Service News reports in Minnesota Farmers Find Welcome Mat Out in Washington:
"What we're trying to do is push for pro-active farm policies that help conservation on working lands and with beginning farmer programs, and for certain things that help independent livestock producers get fair prices for their livestock."
Nuessmeier says he was encouraged by discussions he had with members of his state's Congressional delegation about efforts to preserve and protect land through initiatives such as the Conservation Stewardship Program.
"It'll take public dollars and direct the money towards those operations that are limiting soil loss, using more rotations on their farm – things that lead to water quality."
He says that's a much better use of taxpayer dollars than direct payments.
He says they also traded ideas on helping family farmers and supporting rural communities. Nuessmeier says he left with the impression that farmers have a sympathetic ear in Congress and at the White House.
Groups involved in the trip were the Land Stewardship Project, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and the Missouri Rural Crisis Center. Those taking part in the talks included Minnesota Congress members Collin Peterson and Tim Walz, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and various USDA officials.
The Land Stewardship Project has consolidated its Twin Cities offices into one, though the offices in Lewiston and Monticello remain unchanged.
The group will host an open house on Friday, March 6, 4-7:3- p.m. at 821 E 35th Street, Suite 200. From the email invitation:
We hope you will join us in celebrating our move to a new office in South Minneapolis. After several years of maintaining two offices in the metro area, LSP has combined our offices into a central location. The move has helped improve our efficiency and communication while providing better workspace for staff, improved meeting space and more room for volunteers and interns. This move does not affect LSP’s rural offices in Montevideo and Lewiston.
Please stop by our office on Friday, March 6, between 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and enjoy appetizers, beverages, a brief program and good conversation with LSP staff and members. For a map and directions to our office click here. There will also be a small silent auction to help cover moving costs. Please note that our office is on the second floor of the old Powderhorn Park firehouse, and requires climbing a long flight of stairs. We are currently moving forward with retrofitting the office with an elevator.
Please let us know if you can attend by calling us at 612-722-6377 or replying to this e-mail.
Thanks for your support and we hope to see you there.
Later this month, another pro-sustainable farming group, the IATP, will hold a discussion about food. From the invite:
Minnesota Global - Reducing Minnesota's Foodprint: Cutting Global Warming Contributions from Food and Energy
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy invites you to join us for an important conversation about the intersection of food, energy and climate change. From the field to our grocery stores and homes, our food system is a significant source of global warming emissions. Learn how we can redesign our food system to meet food, climate and energy goals.
Speakers:
* Tom Braun, Co-Founder, Linden Hills Power and Light
* Susan Hubbard, CEO and Co-President, Eureka! Recycling
* Jim Kleinschmit, Director of Rural Communities, IATP
* Danny Schwartzman, Owner, Common Roots Cafe
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, 2104 Stevens Avenue South, Minneapolis
RSVP by March 20 to: [email protected] or 612-870-3408. Refreshments will be served.
Image: "Ploughed Fields" by New Ulm native Wanda Gag.
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Posted by: Lee | March 04, 2009 at 02:27 PM