SAINT PAUL, MN—Representative Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, issued the following statement regarding Governor Mark Dayton's visit to Austin, MN Thursday to discuss his buffer strip proposal. Bennett, who hosted a listening session regarding the proposal with Board of Soil and Water Resources Executive Director John Jaschke in Blooming Prairie last month, provided a copy of the statement to the Governor's staff to read in her absence at the meeting.
"Thank you to the Governor and his staff for reaching out and inviting me to this meeting. I regret not being able to attend—I'm currently visiting family in Wisconsin. I've spoken with dozens of farmers, and last month held a listening session in Blooming Prairie to discuss the Governor's buffer proposal. Like the Governor, I too support efforts to improve water quality, and the protection of Minnesota's beautiful lakes, rivers, and streams.
"I remain open-minded about the Governor's plan, but still have concerns about a number of the plan's components. I share the concerns that many farmers have expressed about the one-size-fits-all-nature of the program, as well as the loss of so many acres of productive farm land. I also have heard from several farmers who believe local enforcement would be a more productive and cost-effective way to enforce existing or proposed buffer strip requirements.
"I will continue to monitor the proposed buffer legislation, and keep in close contact with the agricultural community to ensure any plan that is passed by the legislature adequately addresses the various concerns raised about the plan.
"I want to thank the Governor and his staff for their willingness to travel to Austin to speak directly with farmers, and for listening to their concerns and questions. I will look forward to his continued engagement with the agriculture community so we can work together on a solution that earns the support of all stakeholders."