What is the Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network?
The Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network (MFAN) is a new partnership of organizations launched by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) in response to the struggling economy, and which addresses the needs of farmers facing financial challenges. The primary purpose of the MFAN Program is to provide business and financial guidance. MFAN also can assist farmers after a natural disaster, such as a tornado or flood. MFAN can also assist by providing referrals for legal services, basic needs, and mental health counseling.
How can MFAN help farm families?
While there are many resources available to help farm families in difficulty, it can sometimes be hard to recall and access the full list of options in times of need. MFAN serves as an avenue through which families can access services designed to help them with a difficult situation. This is accomplished via volunteer financial analysts, who are working in collaboration with farm business management instructors and extension educators, among others. This volunteer-provided business and financial guidance is available at no cost, and can take many forms, such as help with financial statement preparation, debt restructuring, business reorganization, and farm transition.
When natural disaster strikes, MFAN can assist with recovery needs. This could include:
- Finding temporary housing for the family;
- Finding alternate facilities for livestock;
- Planning and connecting with animal disposal resources;
- Finding assistance with field clean-up and replanting resources; and
- Assisting with financial planning needs and resources.
Which organizations are offering resources as part of the MFAN network?
The growing list of MFAN partners includes farm, commodity and other organizations, such as:
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
- University of Minnesota Extension
- Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Farm Business Management (FBM) and Rural Mental Health Programs
- Crisis Connection, Sowing the Seeds of Hope
- MDA Farm Advocate Program
- Farmer-Lender Mediation
- Farmers Legal Action Group
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency
- Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
- Faith based organizations (Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities)
- County Social Service Agencies
How can I contact MFAN?
MFAN began operations November 1, 2009. The network telephone line will be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call toll free 1-877-898-6326, or e-mail at mfan.mda@state.mn.us
Will there be any fees or costs for farmers to participate in MFAN?
There is no cost for MFAN’s assistance. However, there may be fees associated with services provided by certain partner organizations. When possible, MFAN will make attempts to identify scholarships or other resources to help farmers offset these costs.
Will the privacy of farmers’ financial information be maintained?
Yes. One of MFAN’s core values is respect for the privacy of financial information. MFAN will hold confidential the financial information that participating farm families share with MFAN.
How can qualified volunteers become part of MFAN?
Initially the MDA invited MFAN partner organizations to nominate candidates. The Commissioner of Agriculture also sought input from department staff and board members of the Minnesota Rural Finance Authority. Important qualifications include expertise in farm enterprise analysis, debt restructuring or crisis counseling. Other desired qualities include strong communication skills and the ability to work with a wide range of people.
Why is the Minnesota Department of Agriculture organizing MFAN?
Agriculture is a key driver of our state economy, providing thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity. Unfortunately, right now many producers are experiencing economic difficulties. By providing one-on-one business and financial guidance to farm families, MFAN is consistent with MDA’s mission to strengthen our agricultural economy.
Will MFAN conflict with the work of Farm Business Management Instructors or the Minnesota Farm Advocate Program?
No. MFAN is a partnership of interconnected entities working to provide one-on-one business and financial guidance to farm families considering business reorganization or transition. The Farm Business Management Program and the Minnesota Farm Advocate Program are two essential resources and network members. They will continue as independent entities providing services as they have in the past, and MFAN will help refer people to them.
How will MFAN work with the Farmer-Lender Mediation Program?
There is no change. Before adverse financial action may be taken against farmers, they must be given the option of mediation. Farmers may initiate mediation by contacting the state mediation office’s director Mary Nell Preisler, at 218-935-5785, or by email at preis002@umn.edu.
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