Government Relations

The Government Relations office provides an essential link between the Department of Agriculture and the state legislature, working with the Governor's Office, legislators and department staff to shape and monitor agricultural policy. The Government Relations office and the Commissioner work to implement policy working groups created by the legislature, providing legislative recommendations on a wide variety of agricultural issues, such as renewable energy, animal husbandry and pesticide use.

2012 Session Information

The Minnesota Legislature convened on Tuesday, January 24, 2012.

Fact Sheets

• Immigrant and Minority Farmer Microloan Pilot Program

Legislative Reports

Permanent Legislative Reports 

• Agricultural BMP Loan Program Status Report - October 2011
• Agricultural Land Preservation Program Status Report - January 2012
• Biodiesel Content Mandate and Report - January 2012
• Greenbook, 2011 - January 2012
• NextGen Energy Board Annual Report - February 2012
• Permitting Efficiency and Goal Report - February 2012
• Waste Pesticide Collection Report - March 2012 

One-Time Legislative Reports

• Root River Watershed Report - January 2012 

Boards, Councils & Task Forces

• Biodiesel Task Force
• Food Safety and Defense Task Force
• Minnesota Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council
• NextGen Energy Board
• Noxious Weed Advisory Committee

MDA Contact

Greta Gauthier, Director of Government Relations
Greta.Gauthier@state.mn.us, 651-201-6180

Commissioner's Office