Minnesota Governor Tim Walz unveiled a $10 million drought relief package last week to support Minnesota producers going through the drought. “This drought is as broad as we’ve seen since 1988, maybe sooner. We activated the drought network to talk with farmers, looking at where the gaps were in federal assistance. Then, we put together a package that has $5 million in grants and $5 million for the Rural Finance Authority.” Walz tells the Red River Farm Network this should help provide stability to help Minnesota farms stay in business. Now, it will be up to the State Legislature to approve the package in an upcoming special session. Walz says if a team of lawmakers can reach an agreement on how to address COVID relief funds, Minnesota could possibly go into a special session in early October. Minnesota’s general fund will support this drought relief.
