Biodiesel
Biodiesel
For a quarter-century, Minnesota has led the nation’s embrace of biofuels. Biodiesel in Minnesota boosts demand for soy by 13% and adds nearly $1.7 billion toward our state’s economy while also improving the environment. At the farm level, biodiesel adds over $500 million each year to our producers’ bottom lines. That’s why MSGA works each session to ensure biofuels are part of the renewable fuels conversation.
This session, MSGA will continue stressing to legislators and the Walz administration that biodiesel is providing timely solutions. MSGA will highlight the need for Low Carbon Fuel Standard policies that uplift biodiesel, which continues to reduce carbon emissions. We’ll also continue promoting soybean oil as a feedstock in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market, which depends on ag-based fuels to lower carbon emissions, while promoting legislation that advances SAF in the years ahead. Let’s continue to be a state that’s a biofuels leader!
Taxes
While we’ve successfully secured tax relief in recent years, more work remains in the Legislature. MSGA is advocating for easing the tax load shouldered by Minnesota farmers. By simplifying the tax code, we can assist the next generation of farmers in land transition and help rural economies thrive throughout Minnesota.
Our state’s economic health relies on agriculture. In 2026, MSGA will take further steps to alleviate the heavy tax burden that Minnesota farmers carry.
Farm Safety Programs
MSGA continues to promote initiatives that support rural mental health and farm safety programs. With the farm economy in turmoil in 2026, we are advocating for increased funding for farmer mediation programs to allow struggling family farms to continue operations.
Protecting Crop Inputs
The cost of production remains too high for Minnesota farmers, and growers need all the tools at their disposal to defeat yield-robbing pests and diseases. MSGA will urge legislative leaders to protect crop inputs and prevent any unnecessary restrictions on the safe application of agriculture chemicals.
In past sessions, MSGA ensured that farmers weren’t saddled with needless pesticide fee increases. We also joined the farm community in stopping legislation that would have allowed cities to enact their own pesticide regulations. Through testimony and advocacy with allied partners, westopped additional seed treatment regulations in 2025 – a huge win for our producers. Once again, we’ll have boots on the ground at the Capitol in 2026 to voice strong opposition to any similar bills and stress the importance of accessing these inputs.
Transportation & Rural Infrastructure
Minnesota soybeans move in many directions, and over half of our crop is exported. That’s why MSGA encourages elected officials to support expanding rural infrastructure throughout Greater Minnesota. Farming communities receive the most bang for their buck by creating a robust system to handle heavier trucks and keep our diverse ag economy ahead of our competitors. Producers depend on transportation and modern infrastructure to move their products from the farm gate to the end user.
Keeping Farmers on the Land
Land pressures from legislation continue to inflate farmland values, making it harder for emerging farmers to gain access – and for existing farmers to maintain operations. MSGA is striving to keep farmers farming on the land for generations to come and defend against unfavorable policies that harm our farm families and our rural communities.
Ag Labor Mandates
Workforce mandates such as Minnesota’s new Paid Family Leave Law are adding costly burdens to Minnesota family farms. This session, MSGA will continue our efforts to carve out exemptions for farm families.
