Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap was in Washington D.C. last week talking to lawmakers about key issues for Minnesota agriculture. He says those included reform of the Endangered Species Act, keeping a viable crop insurance program in place and enhancing trade opportunities to battle recent low commodity prices. He says ESA reform is needed to control predators like the gray wolf.

He says the President’s recently proposed cuts to crop insurance must be defended and Congress must keep the program intact.

Paap says while trade agreements take time to iron out, policy makers need to step up efforts to help growers facing depressed commodity prices.

Paap says they also want legislation passed in the Senate to develop a uniform national voluntary biotech labeling program.