The new President of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association says they are pushing for tax conformity and assistance in foreign animal disease preparedness in the state legislature. Preston farmer Dave Mensink says the House Tax Committee just met on the tax issues in the state and is moving a plan forward to get state rules to conform with the federal laws.
He says they are also asking for more state funding to help prevent and prepare for foreign animal diseases such as African Swine Fever.
Mensink says having an emergency response plan in place in the case of a disease outbreak on the state and national level is critical. However, farmers also need to put a plan in place on their farm.
On the federal level the swine industry has been working with pork producers to be part of the Secure Pork Supply Plan and to increase inspectors at the borders.
