(NAPSA)—Minnesota could soon Youcan find out whichparts of the plan various candidates support by be well onits way to becominga lead- checking the candidates’ page on www. farmandfoodmn.org. There, you can ing state in agriculture and a greater competitor in the global food economy. Minnesotais already an impactful food and ag state, but with the right candidatesin its legislature and a partner as governor,it could be even better. That could be good for the more than 400,000 Minnesotan’ working in the food and agriculture sectors. In a recent survey conducted by A Greater Minnesota (AGM), a coali- tion of organizations dedicated to good farms, food and jobs in the state, more than 81 percent of Minnesotansbelieve it’s in the best interest ofthe state to expandthe food and farming sector into oneofthe nation’s leaders. ‘The Plan Many people are asking political candidates where they stand on elevat- ing Minnesota's food and farming sec- tor. Importantissues include: 1.Make Minnesota a Leader in Farm andFood Research and Innovation: Noonehasall the answers for how to help sustain agricultural productivity, best protect natural resources and de- velop even better food. Moreresearch and innovation can help find better solutions. One good answer may be a public-private research initiative thatelevates Minnesotaasa leaderin research andinnovation. 2. Support Clean Water: The farm- ing, food and agriculture industries share the goals ofall Minnesotans to protect the state's natural resources, in- also learn more about the issues and whythey matter to Minnesota.Thesite is updated with all the latest information that voters across the state need Growing a better economyand ecol- to know. If you “like” A Greater Minogy for Minnesota could begin at nesota on Facebook and Twitter (@ farmandfoodmn), you canget voter inthevoting boot cluding water quality. Minnesota farmers needto havetheresourcesto continue these practices. 3. Move Minnesota to an Out- comes-Based Regulatory System: Many Minnesotansbelieveits time to move to a new model of regulation—onethat's smarter, less burdensomeandless costly while retaining transparency. This new model should be focused on outcomes rather than process.It should start with protecting the environment while accelerating opportunities for responsible business and farm expansions, quality jobsandotherdesired economicbenefits. 4, Adapt TaxPolicy that Stimulates GrowthandJobs: Minnesota, manysay, needs a more competitive tax policy that supports the growth ofcurrent farms and food and agriculture companies, while stimulating the developmentofexciting startup food companiesand farming. Which Candidates Support Minnesota Food And Ag? Candidate responses are shared with voters acrossthestate, so they can make an informeddecision on Election Day. formation,funfacts and the latest AGM updates. If candidates you're interested in haven't responded to the vision and plan, you can use an easy tool on the AGM website to send a message asking them toparticipate, so you and other Minnesotans can make an informed decisionat the polls. You can also thank those whohave alreadyresponded. HowTo GetInvolved Ifyou'reinterestedin helping spread the word about AGM andthis exciting vision, you can do so by sharing social media posts andlinks to the candidates’ page on the website. Also, makesure the people in your life understand why it’s important to elevate Minnesota's farms and food. GoVote What's the most important way you can help? Vote. Do it at the polls on No- vember6 or vote early. You can check out the AGM website and social channels for more information aboutthis. Know what matters to you and your candidates this election cycle and vote to elevate Minnesota.
