agriculture

Our 2019 legislative priorities

by Trevor Russell

update

January 3, 2019

Kicking off the return of our annual Legislative Blog, here's a summary of FMR's top three legislative priorities this session: Forever Green, Working Lands and fixing the Environmental Trust Fund raid. >>

A baby dies, a brewery town runs dry — 'Water Pressure' illustrates MN & WI water problems

by sue rich

update

January 2, 2019

While we're sad to see Josephine Marcotty leave her post as the Star Tribune's long-time environmental reporter, we're grateful for her parting "Water Pressure" series.

If you've been saving up your free, online-access Star Tribune stories, this trio is worth the clicks. >>

Climate change may supercharge farm pollution

by Trevor Russell

update

October 18, 2018

Climate change is predicted to increase nitrate pollution from cropland in the corn belt by as much as 24% over today’s levels. >>

FMR advocates call on MN to protect our drinking water!

by Trevor Russell

update

August 16, 2018

Hat’s off to FMR’s advocates! On August 15, FMR staff hand-delivered 226 comments from River Guardians and other advocates calling on the state to both implement and improve a new state rule to protect our groundwater. >>

FMR’s comments on the proposed Groundwater Protection Rule

by Trevor Russell

update

August 16, 2018

On August 15, FMR staff submitted comments to Judge Palmer-Denig in support of approving and improving the state’s proposed Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

Why we need the Groundwater Protection Rule

article

August 1, 2018

Minnesota's 1989 Groundwater Protection Act directs the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to prevent groundwater pollution from cropland. To solve this problem, the agency is now proposing new rules to address nitrate contamination in public and private wells. Overall, these rules are needed and reasonable. But there are several flaws that need to be addressed to keep Minnesotans safe and healthy. Read more

What if every MN farm applied fertilizer at the recommended rate?

by Trevor Russell

update

July 17, 2018

At best, “perfect” nutrient management on all of Minnesota’s cropland would reduce nitrate pollution by about 10-15 percent, falling far short of the state’s 45 percent reduction goals to protect our groundwater. >>