St. Paul (November 5, 2009) – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) is having their annual state convention Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22 at the Ramada Plaza in Minneapolis.
“Every year since 1942, Farmers Union members have gathered to develop our state policy from ideas they bring to the table,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “We then take that policy to the state and federal level and fight for the issues important to our members! During policy debate this year, some of the issues I expect we will be discussing are health care, climate change, and fair pricing for livestock and grain production.”
Along with policy discussion, there will be elections for both Farmers Union President and Vice President. Doug Peterson, current MFU President, is running for re-election unopposed; and long-time MFU Vice President, Dennis Sjodin, has decided to not run for re-election. There are four candidates for Vice President, and they are: Tim Henning of Adrian, Scott Hoese of Mayer, Tim Velde of Granite Falls, and Gary Wertish of Renville.
There will be speakers throughout the convention, including: Gene Hugoson, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner; Linda Hennen, State Executive Director of Farm Service Agency; Colleen Landkamer, State Director of USDA Rural Development; Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union President; and the candidates for governor have been invited to speaking during our Saturday lunch break.
Our keynote speaker at the banquet will be Congressman Jim Oberstar; with greetings from Representative Tim Walz and Senator Al Franken. Senator Amy Klobuchar is also expected to be in attendance.
During the state convention, we also elect delegates to the National Farmers Union convention; and as usual, we will be serving foods from throughout Minnesota for our banquet and Saturday lunch.
“It is important to support Minnesota farmers, and what a better way to do so then by having Minnesota-grown foods at our State Convention,” said Peterson.
The Minnesota Farmers Union Convention will be held on Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23 at the Ramada Plaza, 1330 Industrial Boulevard, Minneapolis. For more information, check out our website, www.mfu.org.
Minnesota Farmers Union (www.mfu.org) is a nonprofit membership-based organization working to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers, as well as rural communities.
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