This issue of Ag Innovation News highlights AURI’s first-term Board Director, Rep. Paul Anderson. Rep. Anderson is a fourth-generation family farmer from Starbuck, Minnesota, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota. First elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2008, Anderson has consistently represented a rural district in West Central Minnesota, advocating for policies that support the region’s agricultural heritage, rural way of life, and economic vitality. He currently serves as co-chair of the Minnesota House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, where he plays a key leadership role in shaping legislation that impacts Minnesota’s farmers, rural communities, and food systems.
Why did you want to join AURI’s board of directors?
While in the Legislature, I have been familiar with AURI’s work over the years. When given the opportunity to become a board member, I gladly accepted.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing farmers today?
Low commodity prices and high input costs are putting a financial squeeze on farmers operating today.
How can Minnesota best support its agricultural industry?
We can stop adding regulations and costly fee increases to Minnesota farmers. These things add additional cost to their operations.
What action has been taken at the Legislature to support farmers and the agricultural industry?
We passed funding to help dairy farmers pay the premium for their enrollment into the federal Dairy Margin Protection Plan. We also fund the Rural Finance Authority, which makes loans to farmers at below-market interest rates. We also support the Farmer-Lender Mediation Program, which farmers can utilize when working with their lenders.
Which ag-related issues are most important to you?
I want to work to make biofuels more available to the public and to the airline industry. We can’t rely on one country to take our excess production. Producing E-15 and sustainable jet fuel are two products I fully support.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am also a farmer, so I have firsthand knowledge of the impact state policies have on Minnesota agriculture. Minnesota is a powerhouse in ag production, and I want to do what I can to support our ag industry.