Talent in the GreenSeam

In rural Minnesota, residents face chal- first step to take. Organizations such as lenges in accessing healthcare. These NAMI are taking the initiative to be the challenges are not unique to rural areas connection to affordable options, support or Minnesota; but statistics from the groups, educational programs, mobile National Alliance on Mental Illness are clinics, telehealth programs, and more. eye opening. Did you know that 34.5 percent of 195,000 adults in Minnesota did not receive needed mental health care because of cost in 2021? Even with Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline provides confidential services with trained helpline staff and volunteers. health insurance, Minnesotans are over TALENT Stigma surrounding mental illness can four times more likely to be forced out-of- IN THE GREENSEAM discourage people from seeking help. network for mental health care than for primary health care — making it more By Michalia Cyphers Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline understand farmers and rural communidifficult to find care and less affordable due to high- ties face unique stresses and emotional er out-of-pocket costs. Physical health is important, situations — including financial challenges, unprebut mental health is an aspect of overall health and dictable weather, and physically demanding work. well-being. Stress, anxiety, depression, financial burdens, and

It is necessary for individuals to have access to other mental and emotional challenges are common. mental health care services when needed. If you The 2023 GreenSeam “State of Ag” survey don’t have immediate access, it is hard to know the addresses the topic with employment, benefit and inclusion questions. The “State of Ag” report is a way to understand, serve and support the workforce, businesses, organizations, and the communities we call home.

If you, your business, or organization is directly or indirectly working in or near the ag, food, or natural resource industry, GreenSeam invites you to participate in the “State of Ag” survey. If you have an interest in sharing your thoughts on agriculture, food and natural resources in our region, we invite your participation. We want to hear from you. greenseam.org/stateofag

Talent in the GreenSeam focuses on developing talent and promoting careers in agriculture and food. Michalia Cyphers can be reached via email at mcyphers@greenseam.org. v

ST. PAUL – Minnesota Farmers Union, in partnership with Farmers Legal Action Group and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, released a Farmers’ Guide to Carbon Markets in Minnesota.

The Farmers’ Guide to Carbon Markets was developed in response to the questions and concerns raised by MFU members. With one fifth of the world’s largest companies setting net-zero emissions targets, farmers are being asked to make changes to their operations that sequester carbon and sell companies credit for that sequestered carbon. These relations between farmers, large companies and often thirdparty vendors are defined by contracts.

The 32-page guide written by attorneys Stephen Carpenter and Lindsay Kuehn is filled with information to help farmers navigate carbon contracts. There’s a handy question-and-answer section that draws on text taken from actual contracts and information to generate discussion with the representative offering the contract.

“Minnesota farmers now have greater opportunities to combat climate change by tapping into this new and evolving carbon marketplace; however, we must recognize the concerns farmers may have,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “We’re pleased to partner with Minnesota Farmers Union and Farmers Legal Action Group to develop this guide that will ensure farmers have access to the information they need to succeed in this evolving carbon contract arena.”

“The carbon markets are really in their infancy, without a lot of regulation and common structure,” said MFU member Pat Lunemann. “Carbon markets are like the ‘Wild, Wild West’ where everyone is shooting from the hip. No entity is there to assure that contracts are fair to both parties involved. Going forward, there is much potential for farmers to capture rewards for innovative practices on their farms and the guide describes the opportunities and the obstacles that may be in front of us.”

“Before authoring this guide, FLAG was receiving frequent questions from many family farmers and ranchers about the legal aspects of carbon sequestration contracts, said Scott Carlson, FLAG’s Executive Director. “After looking into some of the contracts offered by various companies, it was clear that farmers and ranchers would benefit from guidance on many of the legal issues, questions, and potential risks posed by committing to carbon sequestration contracts. We knew there was a need for a Farmers’ Guide to Carbon Markets in Minnesota, and the public’s interest has been high.”

The guide is available at no cost, thanks to a grant from the McKnight Foundation. It is available online at http://www.flaginc.org/wp-content/ uploads/2023/01/Farmers-Guide-Carbon-MarketContracts-in-Minnesota-First-EditionJanuary-2023.pdf.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Farmers Union. v

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has issued an updated map that will help farmers across the state comply with the Groundwater Protection Rule. The rule restricts fall application of nitrogen fertilizer in areas vulnerable to contamination, and it outlines steps to reduce the severity of contamination in areas where nitrate is already elevated in public water supply wells.

The MDA has made changes to the Fall Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Restrictions map which is accessible at www.mda.state.mn.us. There have been changes to the Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMA). One DWMSA was removed and two DWSMAs had boundary changes. Additional information on the fall application restrictions and exceptions to the restrictions can be found at www.mda. state.mn.us.

The restriction of fall application of nitrogen fertilizer on these acres will begin Sept. 1. Farmers are encouraged to check the new map prior to the fall of 2023 to determine if their fields are subject to these restrictions.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v