Agriculture & Rural Communities

America’s economic well-being depends on the health of our farmlands and rural communities. As the nation’s sixth largest agricultural-producing state, Minnesota is home to over 65,000 farms that produce over $28 billion in market value from their agricultural products. Rural communities that rely on an agricultural economy often see disproportionate impacts from natural disasters, market volatility, and trade uncertainty. These communities have unique needs, ranging from housing and infrastructure to health care and broadband access. We must give rural communities the tools they need to spur innovation, create jobs and opportunities, and confront these challenges.
Farmers, ranchers, and rural communities need the certainty of a strong Farm Bill. As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I would like to pass a Farm Bill that builds on the successes of the 2018 Farm Bill and makes improvements to ensure farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans can thrive by strengthening the safety net, investing in conservation programs, and supporting homegrown energy.
The cyclical nature of agriculture means that farmers make large financial investments in their crops, livestock, buildings, and equipment and sometimes face heavy losses due to natural disasters and market circumstances beyond their control. As our weather becomes more extreme, farmers need greater support to survive climate-related disasters that have cost the farming economy hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years. I am committed to maintaining a strong, fair safety net for our farmers to help them get through disasters and periods of low prices.
Exports are also critical to the rural economy. In 2023, Minnesota exported over $15 billion worth of agricultural products and ranked as the fourth-highest exporting state in the nation. From 2000 to 2021, Minnesota’s total agricultural exports more than tripled—far higher than the national growth rate—and supported more than 52,000 jobs on and off the farm. More than 20 percent of all U.S. agricultural production is exported to customers around the world. I believe we must do everything we can to help American farmers sell more of their products in foreign markets. Exports are key to the success of our beef, pork, dairy, and turkey producers, and I will do everything I can to assist them in breaking down export barriers. I will continue to work to keep existing markets open, support agreements, and create new opportunities for Minnesota producers. That’s why I have opposed President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs.
Farmers and Midwestern workers also need to seize economic opportunities generated by the homegrown biofuels market as America continues to move toward energy independence. Farm-based biofuels are critical to both our rural economies and our nation’s energy security, and I am committed to supporting growth for farmers in this area—from traditional biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel to the next generation of cellulosic ethanol made from prairie grass to wind energy to electricity made from livestock waste.
I am also focused on ensuring that rural communities remain a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family. The low population density of rural communities has meant that access to essential services like health care, education, and reliable broadband has lagged behind other parts of the country. Expanding these services into all rural areas is essential for creating jobs, expanding economic opportunity, and leveling the playing field for all Minnesotans.
As Minnesota’s U.S. senator and the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I will continue to focus on these priorities:
As Minnesota’s U.S. senator, I’ve been fighting to keep our farms and rural communities strong and to keep our state a leader in homegrown energy by: