By Scout Nelson
A coalition of respected Minnesota farm organizations, including the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), has filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the state’s water protection rules. The legal challenge was brought by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Minnesota Trout Unlimited, and the Minnesota Well Owners Organization. These groups claim that state agencies have not done enough to protect water in southeast Minnesota's Karst and Central Sands regions from nitrate pollution.
In response, MSGA and other farm organizations argue that Minnesota already has some of the strictest water protection laws in the country. They believe the lawsuit is unfounded and undermines ongoing efforts by farmers and state agencies. Farmers say they care deeply about protecting water because they rely on it too—for drinking, crops, and livestock.
Farmers across Minnesota are actively adopting new practices to protect water and improve soil health. Livestock producers often follow nutrient management practices that go beyond state requirements. Nearly all Minnesota farmland—about 99%—now complies with the buffer protection law, funded entirely by farmers.
Additionally, over 1.7 million acres have been enrolled in the voluntary Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). This program has led to the implementation of over 9,350 conservation practices. Farmers have also received grants to adopt soil health equipment, benefiting 320,000 acres.
Farmers are not asking to reduce environmental rules. Instead, they stress the importance of basing regulations on accepted science rather than public pressure or political claims.
“As producers, we continue to be proactive and invest our capital year after year toward adapting and improving our practices to protect our natural resources and soil health,” said Darin Johnson, MSGA president and participant in the Ag Water Quality Certification Program. “We believe this litigation against these state agencies is unfounded and we’re proud to stand with our fellow farm organizations to defend sound science and support MDA and MPCA’s rulemaking and review processes.”
Other farmer groups involved include the Minnesota Corn Growers, Pork Producers, Wheat Growers, Farm Bureau, Milk Producers, Cattlemen’s Association, Turkey Growers, and Sugarbeet Growers.
Photo Credit: istock-blackjack3d
Categories: Minnesota, Business