Minnesota farmers face financial strain from funding cuts

Funding for the Minnesota Local Food Purchase Assistance Program has been cut, leaving farmers and food organizations without crucial support. This change affects over $3.5 million in expected federal funds for 2024, impacting small farmers' expansion plans. The Village Agricultural Cooperative faces financial strain, with $82,500 in reimbursements denied. This has led to layoffs and uncertainty for local food programs, which relied on these funds to support farmers and food banks. Farmers are now struggling to budget for the planting season amid a freeze on multiple federal programs. The Minnesota Farmers Union plans to hold town hall meetings to discuss these issues and gather feedback from farmers and rural residents.