Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, chair of the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA), today announced the MGA’s recommendations for the upcoming 2007 Farm Bill. Governor Pawlenty also unveiled a supplemental document outlining recommendations developed by his Clean Water Cabinet and related to the Farm Bill conservation title.

The MGA recommendations cover 13 issues associated with the Farm Bill, and emphasize increasing the production and consumption of biofuels. Other areas of focus include risk management, rural development, conservation, livestock, research, and invasive species control and prevention. The recommendations are available online at www.midwesterngovernors.org.

“We are on the cutting edge of bio-energy development, and have a unique opportunity to advance these priorities at the federal level during the 2007 Farm Bill discussions,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Bio-energy is key to growing our economy and gaining energy independence, and I am excited to work with my fellow governors and Congress on these issues.”

Midwest governors play a critical role in supporting federal agriculture policy as the region continues to be a leader in crop and livestock production. This agricultural production in turn serves as an economic foundation for many of the region’s rural communities.

MGA’s goal is to ensure that the 2007 Farm Bill recognizes the Midwest as a prominent stakeholder in agricultural policy and that the legislation protects the interests of the region’s agricultural community. MGA’s purpose is to foster regional development, attain greater efficiency in state administration, facilitate interstate cooperation and improve intergovernmental relationships, and to provide a medium for the exchange of views and experiences on subjects of general importance to the Midwest states. In addition to Governor Pawlenty, MGA members include Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Iowa Governor Chet Culver, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, North Dakota Governor John Hoeven, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, South Dakota Governor M. Michael Rounds, and Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle.

In a separate step, Governor Pawlenty also outlined key policy recommendations for Congress to consider when developing the conservation title of the 2007 Farm Bill. The recommendations build on Governor Pawlenty’s commitment to further protect and enhance Minnesota’s natural resources while providing incentives for landowners to be good stewards of the land.

“Farmers and ranchers understand that you can protect the environment and maintain profitability at the same time,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Congress should recognize that rural landowners are among the most effective conservationists, and that the best thing to do is to provide them with incentives to practice good stewardship of the land.”

The guiding principles outlined in the Governor’s Clean Water Cabinet document include strengthening the economic viability of farming, facilitating state and local efforts to address environmental priorities, and implementing long-term conservation plans. A full copy of the document is available online at http://cwc.state.mn.us.