Gov. Tim Pawlenty recently released a report outlining recommendations for the livestock industry. The governor's recommendations would provide a green light for factory farms in Minnesota by reducing regulatory requirements, weakening local authority, rushing approval of permit applications and providing tax credits. These types of operations have displaced family farmers devastating our rural eco-nomy, not to mention the environment. At the same time the report ignores environmentally sound, consumer driven livestock production systems, such as organic, free range or grass fed.
According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture retail organic food sales showed strong growth at more than 20 percent per year during the 1990s, a trend that is predicted to continue. Retail organic sales reached $9.5 billion in 2001 and are expected to grow to $20 billion by 2005. The July issue of Organic Business News reports that organic livestock producers are scrambling to meet growing consumer demands for organic meats, dairy and eggs. Organic beef sales reached nearly $10 million last year, according to the Organic Trade Association, which expects sales of organic meat and poultry to grow 30.7 percent annually through 2008.
Minnesota livestock producers are well positioned to enter the growing organic market. In doing so, they improve markets for Minnesota-grown organic feed grains and increase the number of acres in pasture and forage crops, which benefits the environment by reducing erosion. The expansion of organic livestock production in Minnesota will improve local and regional economic activity by providing opportunities to seed industries, feed mills, slaughter facilities, creameries, food processors and distributors.
According to a study done by agricultural economist Dr. Luanne Lohr, "Counties with organic farms have stronger farm economies and contribute more to local economies through total sales, net revenue, farm value, taxes paid, payroll, and purchases of fertilizer, seed and repair and maintenance services."
Work I completed in 2003-04 while serving as the University of Minnesota Endowed Chair in Agricultural Systems revealed a widespread need for research into improved processing, handling, and distribution systems for organic livestock products and into organic feed and approved medications. In 2003, the state's Organic Advisory Task Force created recommendations to strengthen Minnesota's organic industry including education; research; business and market development; policy and regulatory support; and technical and financial assistance. But this work and the basic needs of the organic livestock sector have been ignored by the governor's report Organic agriculture has an important role to play in creating market-driven and ecologically sound solutions for Minnesota's livestock industry. The governor has overlooked this and instead focused on deregulation of the livestock industry in order to bring more factory farms to our state. These short-sighted recommendations do not support livestock systems that are environmentally and economically sustainable for farmers, rural towns, and consumers. Minnesotans deserve more and expect better from our leaders.
Jim Riddle is chairman of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Organic Advisory Task Force and an Organic Policy Specialist, Rodale's NewFarm.org.
Guest views are opinions of the author and don't necessarily reflect the views of the Winona Daily News. They are published to stimulate thought and to provide an expanded forum on issues of local interest.
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