Minnesota Farmers Union members are asking Governor Tim Walz and the State Legislature to extend the deadline for Minnesota Farmer Lender Mediation. The original deadline of December 1 2020 has passed so now the farm group wants it extended to June 30 of 2021. Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says moving the deadline to June gives Congress time to pass a new Pandemic relief package that could help both farmers and lenders.
He says the extension also gives producers time to work out sale of their assets as well as their tax obligations.
Wertish says state lawmakers return to St. Paul early next month which isn’t that far away so it was important to get this extension request in as soon as possible.
Wertish says it’s been difficult for farmers and lenders to meet in person to discuss mediation due to the pandemic so having the deadline extended should help.
