MN Corn Growers Association pledges to help environment
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association has a lofty goal to make state's producers the most "sustainable and environmentally responsible" corn farmers in the nation.
The organization has about $250,000 in grants available to help farmers improve their operations, executive director Adam Birr said. A committee will evaluate applications.
"Certainly there's a lot of emphasis on soil and nutrients," said Birr. "But we'll never turn down a good idea and the committee will certainly look at all applications that are submitted for ideas on that."
The organization says it will consider encouraging Minnesota corn farmers to engage in existing sustainability programs, like the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, and adopt best management practices such as following the University of Minnesota's nitrogen fertilizer use guidelines.
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But one of the state's major environmental groups is voicing skepticism.
State government should enact environmental mandates for crop farmers, much like livestock operations are regulated, said Kris Sigford with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy.
Voluntary measures like this have done little to improve water quality, she said.
"It's difficult to believe that there will be much change," Sigford said.