North Dakota Farmers Union members approved policy at their convention over the weekend calling for increased use of E30 fuel and adequate funding for the farm bill. President Mark Watne says the answer to low commodity prices is either higher demand provided by increased renewable fuels or a strong farm bill that keeps producers on the land.

He says one of the major issues they have with the farm bill is the lack of funding for research. They’re also concerned the farm legislation could be negatively impacted by the tax reform bill.

Watne says they also discussed the escalating costs of health care and the need to solve this crisis.

Watne says Senator Heidi Heitkamp also provided the groups with update on the new farm bill. He’s hoping Congress passes that legislation in 2018.